Just came across a lengthy discussion on personal web design. The topic isn’t new but I do still agree with the premise that there isn’t enough experimentation with current technologies of presenting content via the web (although to be perfectly honest I haven’t been actively looking for it either).
I think the biggest surprise for me in terms of this discussion taking place as we approach 2005 is that there still seems to be a lot of people who are using standards support in browsers as a major factor in the way they use (or not use) style sheets. This bothers me for two reasons. The first is that in a discussion about personal web spaces there is such a strong desire to cater to everyone and a priority on cross browser uniformity. The second is that in many ways I just don’t see the problems many are claiming, which I think is more an educational situation at this point.
I think standards made it more challenging to create web pages. Not because it’s not possible to be creative within the framework standards provides, but because it increases the length of time it takes to finish. - scott
The current state of css standards support in browsers is about as bad as it can get. Using css for layout (at the moment) is more of a hack than tables ever were, because the standard is incomplete and unsupported. - eric
Comments like those above scream to me that there is some disconnect somewhere between perception and reality.
The bulk of the discussion centers around the context of a blog and the virtues of uniformity and accessibility within the context of a blog, but its worth a scan if any of these things interest you.
With that said, innovation is stagnent in all “groups” online. Look at the dudes who do those fancy Flash sites. Most of them rip from each other as well. As do the Net.Artists. Of couse the bloggers will as well.
Look at sites overseas, ones from Japan or Germany. Many of them have a similar style as well.
I used to harp on this sort of thing in the past, but I just realized I needed to get my head out of the incestuous group I was involved with and look around. There’s plenty new and exciting stuff going on if you really look. I just have a feeling most can’t see the forest for the trees. Comment by: vitaflo @ Dec 21, 04:41 PM #
While I side with Greg on wanting to see more experimentation in blog design (from those so inclined, and that’s an important point), I don’t agree that blogs are the entire personal web space, and I wouldn’t declare personal web design dead based on the state of blog design.
As to the rest of the posts, I’m definitly more interested in the variety of views people have posted then I am with any of the assertions made. Comment by: chris @ Dec 21, 07:14 PM #