So I’ve hacked into Buzz’s blog on a ranting mission cos apparently loads of people come here for mental stimulation. So I could chat about my music, or cooking, or how bored I am today but instead i’m gonna say something about what it’s like to work in new media and why some people shouldn’t bother.

Right where do I start?… hmmm.

Warning! This is pretty hard hitting stuff - read with caution!

Project Managers

If you’re thinking of becoming a project manager ask yourself a few questions.

• Are you able to use a computer?
• Do you know what a desktop is? And are you able to explain what this is to a client?
• Do you use the web?
• If someone said to you “I need some URLs for the hrefs” does your world cave in?
• Do you have a panic attack if someone asks you to rename a file and copy it to a folder?
• Do you say CMS system?

Ok, jokes aside, a project manager MUST know his/her industry. So either know it before you go for the job or bleedin learn it fast ok! Once you’ve learn how to use the web, a computer and become fluent in the lingo, you’ll understand your crew, feel much more confident facing clients and be able to justify why your agency CAN’T do something. If you are organised GREAT! If you’re great with people - GREAT! If you have rock solid processes - f’ing AMAZING. But if you can’t support your team cos you have no clue what the difference is between a PSD and a PNG then you’re not gonna have a good relationship with anyone you work with.

Web Developers

I’ve been a front end dev for 9 years, I didn’t do a course, I taught myself as do most developers. If you’ve just come off a course please don’t go in for a senior developer position. I’d suggest you don’t start freelancing until you have at least 3 years experience. Why? Well basically cos there’s a lot to learn, not just technologies, but processes, tricks, how to have good relationships with designers, project managers etc. I’d say, get yourself a permanent junior position in a good agency, a solid one with good credentials, one where you will be nourished with all things techy. Where you have time to make mistakes. Because freelancing is harsh and NO ONE WILL FORGIVE YOU if you f*** up. So don’t lie on your CV, you’ll be caught out, sooner (with a test upon applying for a position) or later (when they realise what a mess you made and call in a heavy weight dev to redo your work while they get they distract the client in the pub). The word will get around (we all know eachother) and it will kill your career.

And remember this, what you read as a ’solution’ on the Interspaz might not work for you. So be prepared to spend a lot of time being frustrated!! If you don’t have patience and passion to ‘make it work’ don’t go for this career!

Designers.

I’ve had some amazing relationships with designers. I’ve also had some awful ones. Just like project managers, designers need to know what they are working with, what’s possible and what isn’t. Unless you are one of these amazingly talented people (like Buzz) who can design and build your own site, I suggest you make the effort to make friends with a developer. Am not gonna say anymore cos Buzz has this area covered.

Oh and do some housekeeping with your photoshop files please. Logically name your layers and group them into folders… it really helps anyone who needs to take over. How much time is wasted going through layer1, copy of layer1, copy of copy of layer 1 etc zzzzzzzzzzzz.

Backend developers.

How many times have I built an interface which has slick neat markup, is accessible and works cross browser only for it to be completely obliterated by a PHP/.NET or whatever developer. If you are given a ’skin’ to put your wizadry into DON’T F*** IT!!! If you think you need to change the markup talk to whoever built it first. Would a plumber take the bath out of the bathroom and put it in the kitchen just cos it fits?

The important thing i’ve learnt during my career is that creating websites is a collaboration between disciplines, beliefs, skills etc. Everyone needs to communicate and compromise. A designer spends hours perfecting a design, s/he wants it converted into markup/css faithfully and likewise a front-end dev has spent hours making something work in 7 browsers and doesn’t want to see it breaking in IE6.

Sometimes something just can’t be done and we have to go back to the drawing board. This is not the end of the world, it’s always been like that and it ain’t gonna change!

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