Leaving the Web Standards Group

I sent this email earlier today to the Web Standards Group core mailing list:

I let Russ know earlier this week that it was time for me to hang up my WSG hat.

While I’ve never really been one for engaging on the mailing list, so haven’t come to know the core members in other cities as well as others, I have been running the Melbourne WSG events for about 4 years now.

My reasons for moving on are largely personal (family commitments, plus a personal project that I’m working on), but there is more to it. While there will always be a place for webby social events and education, I don’t think that web standards as a movement is the important force for moving the web forward that it once was. When you no longer believe that the cause you’re investing time in is having a big impact, the role of organising these meetings just becomes an events management chore … and nobody wants chores in their life.

I don’t know what the future holds for WSG events in Melbourne—encouraging volunteerism in Melbourne has long been an uphill battle. I don’t really understand why that is, but the benefits of running WSG Melbourne have been very tangible for me, from both a personal and professional perspective. Adam, Will and Ricardo, who have helped out in various capacities in the past, may have a vision for the future, but they too have (ever expanding) family commitments so I guess we’ll see.

Melbourne has long been a horse that you can lead to water, but can’t force to drink. Cameron Adams made a similar observation several years ago before moving to Sydney.

At any rate, I’d like to praise everyone on this core mailing list for the efforts they put in, however large or small, whether with the list or forum or with the events. In particular, Russ Weakley, I don’t know how you keep on keeping on, but you have my utmost respect for it—thanks for everything.

posted: 16.10. 2009, 15:53 Comment (5)

Web Standards Group Meeting: Everything You Know About CSS Is Wrong!

The first WSG meeting of the year will be held next Monday, and will see SitePoint’s own Kevin Yank tackling a topic about which he co-authored a book about late last year—CSS Tables. The title of the book in question, Everything You Know About CSS Is Wrong, caused quite a stir (including several customers who felt insulted enough to ask for a refund on every CSS title that they’d bought from us in the past!)

As usual, the event will be held at Loop Bar in the city.

It’s time to learn a whole new approach to CSS layout—at least, that’s what SitePoint Technical Director Kevin Yank says in his recent book, Everything You Know About CSS Is Wrong. Come along and see what all the fuss is about! Are CSS Tables really the layout tool of the future? Find out why Kevin believes they’re actually ready for prime time today, and tell him if you agree.

As always, the event is FREE and promises to be a good show. We’ve had 83 RSVPs so far, but we’re keen to see if we can crack 100 again (we’ve done it before!). Spread the word amongst your friends and workmates, and I hope to see you there!

For more details and to RSVP visit the Web Standards Group site.

posted: 13.02. 2009, 20:53 Comment (0)

Web Standards Group Meeting: Victorian Government Meets Web 2.0

At next Monday’s WSG meeting in Melbourne, Chris Sampson (Parisfirst Partners) and Ian Stewart (Office of the Premier of Victoria) will be talking about the building of the Premier’s web site — the first Victorian Government site to use Web 2.0 media.

The event will be held at Loop Bar in the city.

Chris will discuss why Joomla! and YouTube were chosen, and how other design and build issues were solved. Ian will talk about improvements to the original site, including implementing Flickr and the first live webcast, as well as some insight into where Victorian Government is heading online.

As always, the event is FREE and promises to be a good show. We’ve had 83 RSVPs so far, but we’re keen to see if we can crack 100 again (we’ve done it before!). Spread the word amongst your friends and workmates, and I hope to see you there!

For more details and to RSVP visit the Web Standards Group site.

posted: 12.11. 2008, 05:03 Comment (0)