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There Are No Experts in the Web Industry(adrianpelletier.com)

over 8 years ago from Adrian Pelletier, Founder of Build Interactive

  • Jeremy StewartJeremy Stewart, over 8 years ago (edited over 8 years ago )

    The takeaway here is if you’re going to work on the web, your greatest asset is knowing how to learn. As soon as you consider yourself an expert, you’ve already fallen behind.

    I agree with the first part wholeheartedly; I think the second part is a too broad a generalization. I know developers who have absolutely mastered the tools and languages they use — and continue to learn and explore new techniques. They have a willingness to adapt and acknowledge their ignorance. Basically I think you can have both worlds.

    I also know developers that fit your description. They are so confident in their abilities (or perhaps insecure) that they've basically stopped — content with what they know and almost resistant to new ideas. It might be ego or it might be cognitive overload from all the new developments in our industry. Either way , I agree: they've already fallen behind (and it gets worse every day).

    EDIT: Also, great post!

    2 points
    • Adrian PelletierAdrian Pelletier, over 8 years ago

      Jeremy, thanks for adding to the discussion, I appreciate it. I do understand there are developers who are exceptional at their craft (I'd like to think I fall into that category) but I still cringe every time I hear someone say they're an all-knowing "expert" at web design or development. The web industry changes so fast, I just don't see reaching a point where anyone could say, "Ok, I've learned it all."

      That's not a bad thing either; it's what keeps a career on the web so interesting. What you said about acknowledging one's ignorance is spot-on as well. You have to know how much you don't know in this field to keep up, otherwise you become stagnant and fall behind.

      Thanks again for the comment and glad you enjoyed the article.

      0 points
      • Kurt JarchowKurt Jarchow, over 8 years ago

        Being an "Expert" doesn't necessarily mean you know everything about a subject. I don't think there is anything wrong with referring to yourself as a web expert.

        2 points
        • Adrian PelletierAdrian Pelletier, over 8 years ago

          Thank you, that's certainly a valid point. I suppose I should have defined "expert" in this case as someone who thinks they know everything about their web craft, which is a sure way to fall behind. From my experience, continual learning is key.

          1 point
      • Jeremy StewartJeremy Stewart, over 8 years ago

        You have to know how much you don't know in this field to keep up, otherwise you become stagnant and fall behind.

        Love that.

        0 points