Webmaster NOT Web Programmer!

Funny...I'm successful at it.

[azzbacwordz]

I'm a Webmaster but not a Web Programmer. I can manage and operate an x amount of websites and web servers. I can develop a nice website using a WYSIWYG editor, but I can't write a lick of code. I know bits and pieces of code but I don't write code (html, php, perl, js, etc.). I can only accomplish building an entire website with a WYSIWYG editor.

I have created all types of websites (ecommerce, content, interactive, management, authentication, etc.) and have been successful at it. Building websites and mananging them is what I do for a living and I'm doing very good. Currently I manage 7 mid size sites which generate over 15 million hits a month collectively. I originally started in the IT industry as a network/system admin and about 2 years ago started working for myself managing 1 website. I can host my own web server, mysql server, etc. I can support and configure my own network, but I cannot write code. I title myself Webmaster because I am the master of my websites and every change is through me. I have complete control. When I need a script or a web design I turn to freelancers, ready-made scripts, web templates, or I create it myself through WYSIWYG, but I don't write the code myself.

It does work for me, but it also make things more difficult because I'm always on somoeone else time. My limitations is my business downfall, because if I was able to write code I would not have to wait for someone to write it for me and I would be able to execute my vision more precisely. It would be good if I learned how to write code, but my life is but so long. Meaning I do not have the time, and I feel good about how things have progressed. If it's not broke don't fix it. Don't get me wrong I've learned a lot since I've started...I know a few good things about scripting/programming but not enough to write code for an entire website. To be honest I haven't taken the extra time to learn, because it does not interest me, even though i know it is my limitation. I don't have any complaints.

I wanted to know are there others like me or am I the only one? What do you all think about this kind of Webmaster? Do anyone else have success from being a Webmaster NOT Web Programmer?

Share your thoughts!

[rocknbil]

apparently so [webmasterworld.com]. :-D

[jdancing]

The money is not in writing the code, the money is in the idea and paying someone overseas to implement your idea. I don't think Bill Gates wrote the code for Windows and he is doing just fine.

[lgn1]

Yes but Bill Gates did write MSDOS 1.0, an integral component of all versions of windows today :)

[quadcity]

>Yes but Bill Gates did write MSDOS 1.0
Actually, he bought it.

[moltar]

Actually MS bought most of their applications.

[AWildman]

I was in your type of position a few years ago. Out of college, I had only created websites using WYSIWYG tools and wasn't a terrific coder. I knew enough to manage and that was it. I got a job as a webmaster and BOY did things change! First, no WYSIWYGs were allowed, so I had to strap down and learn html. Then the silly boss wanted people to interact with the site. Learn JavaScript. Learn Perl. NOW they want the code to be up-to-date, standards compliant. Learn ALL about that. Through the years, in bits and pieces, I've learned all the aspects of design, coding, and marketing "my" sites. And lemme tell ya, the more I've taken on myself, the happier I've been not having to rely on others. The beauty is that none of it was so overwhelming that it detered me from trying to learn. Obviously, I'm more of a jack-of-all-trades at this point cause I know a fair amount about a lot of languages and marketing, etc., but I think it has made me a more valuable asset to my company.

I would definitely advise that you jump in and try to learn different languages and figure out how to do the things for which you rely on other people. It may take you a little longer, but you'll be much richer for it in the long run.

[lZakl]

I only have a few words

"Knowledge is Power, but wisdom is immortal."

Combine the two, and you'll have an empire ;0)

[rocknbil]

^ ^ ^ Either that, or you'll have a comprehensive compilation of quotes you can sell in a book. :-D