Joe Burns is the founder of HTMLGoodies.com, a web design professor, and just an overall great guy. In this article Joe talks to Steve about HTMLGoodies, his first experiences as a designer, tips for those looking to break into the web design arena, his views into the crystal ball and more.
Virtual Interview: Joe Burns - The Interview (contd.) (Page 3 of 4 )
6. What was the first web site you remember working on? What technologies were available for you to use?
I wrote in Notepad and used Netscape for the browser. The very first site I created was my personal homepage. Ugh! Bad site. I then did some work for different departments around the Bowling Green State campus. Finally I was picked up by bright.net to be their designer. I set up a nice little system including a Pentium 75 and a Logitech hand-held scanner. You actually had to drag it across a platform to scan - really.
I set up a deal where I could get cheaper space for clients from bright.net. I did the local NBC affiliate pages as well as the local hospital and about ten other clients.
7. Have you ever been published in any technology magazines? If so, which one(s), and do you have a favorite?
I've been quoted a few times and the Web site got some ink but past that, not really. I was under contract with Earthweb and never attempted to write for anyone but them. As for my own reading, I adore Yahoo Internet Life and Wired. I use to read PC, but it, along with a lot of other magazines, started to go into gaming and gaming never moved me.
8: Do you like where you are? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years?
I am so happy with my life right now that I cannot put it into words. I intend to stay at Southeastern Louisiana University as long as they'll have me. Five years from now I hope to be tenured and have traveled to fifteen different countries.
Ten years from now I hope to have gone to numerous student weddings and meet many of their children. My wife and I do not have children so I tend to get very attached to students. I care not only for their education but also for them as people. I want them to not only pass a class but to then go on and make good with themselves and create nice lives that help for a common good.
9: Last question, and completely unrelated to anything asked thus far, what's your favorite food?
Alabama pulled-pork BBQ with the clear dressing and vinegar slaw. It should be served on basic Wonder, white-bread buns and served with a Coke large enough to install a diving board.
It should be eaten in a restaurant that has its own pit and served by an overweight guy who smells of hickory wood.
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