Why Web Designers are Mistaken for Computer Technicians

Stereotypes and misconceptions exist because people make assumptions – so if you’re seen working with a computer, people take it for granted that you’re a programmer who knows a lot about software or a technician who takes care of the hardware issues that crop up from time to time.

What they do not realize is that there are a wide variety of jobs that span the field of computer science, and that today, the computer is a ubiquitous tool that is used in every sphere of life. In general, web designers are mistaken for computer technicians, especially in places where the awareness of the difference between the two jobs is not high. This is because:

• They don’t understand computers: If you’re seen to be working on a computer, and if people around you don’t understand what you do for a living, they tend to assume that you’re a computer technician. It’s not that they’re being deliberately obtuse; it’s just that it’s easier for them to associate you with the only career they know related to computers rather than try to grasp the concepts of web design.
• Some employers don’t differentiate the job designations clearly: In some organizations, there is no clear demarcation between the roles of computer technicians and web designers. It’s just one or two people who are responsible for all their computer-related tasks. So people associated with such smaller organizations are likely to confuse a web designer for a computer technician, or just use the latter term for the former because they don’t really differentiate between the two.
• Some web designers don’t really design: And finally, the worst possible reason for this misconception is the attitude of some web designers themselves. They are not really designers in the true sense of the word. Rather, they know a little HTML and a few operations using Photoshop or Dreamweaver, and they call themselves web designers. In fact, they just tinker around with websites that already exist, add unnecessary effects to them, and think that they’ve actually done a designer’s work. They’re really not designers, and people who know this, tend to call them what they really are – computer technicians.

In general, misconceptions tend to arise when there is a low level of awareness, so if efforts are made to educate people on what it is that web designers really do, these assumptions will disappear.

This guest post is contributed by Barbara Williams, she writes on the topic of Computer Technician Programs. Email her at: barbara.williams07@gmail.com.

Danny: Barbara really has a knack for writing and all I did was tell her what the theme of the post should be. Do let her know what you thought of her article in the comments.

Most Popular Social Media Platforms I Use

Twitter feels like it’s becoming my blogging replacement, so to speak. Most likely it’s due to the ease of putting my thoughts into a 140 characters. But don’t get me wrong. I still love blogging and sharing my life observations and thoughts in work and play.

It’s just that, blogging requires more time thinking about what you should be writing. Does this weight say content I publish on Twitter shouldn’t be highly read as compared to my blog? Yes. No. Maybe.

Let’s have a look through the social media I’m now using and based on my experience, what’s it being used by myself at the moment.

Facebook

Right now, I’m using it to stay connected with friends – like Friendster. While I learn more about taking advantage of it for business later on.

Twitter

I’m much more active in Twitter right now. Quick updates with average speeds typing out 140 characters isn’t difficult. And it’s especially comforting when you can publish your Twitter updates to your Facebook status.

FlickR

I wanted to use it as a photography portfolio platform. However, figured Facebook may play a bigger role. Makes me wonder if this means FlickR is losing it’s touch.

SlideShare

If you didn’t know, this is a platform for you to publish your presentations either for public or private. Like social media, it’s a place for everyone to consume large amounts of generated content.

YouTube

If you’re on Gmail or use any Google application, you’d already have created a Google Account. And this account plugs you into most if not all Google tools. I rarely upload videos but if I do, I’d definitely use YouTube because I won’t have to worry about bandwidth.

LinkedIn

The business person’s social network paltform. I rarely login to this social networking platform unless I want to know more about a person I’m dealing with. Scarily enough, if you did tell a client you’ve not met before you dug up details of them here, they just might freak out.

Delicious

Once I’ve migrated all my bookmarks here, I’m stuck. Dare I say, Delicious is the social bookmarking platform which is now helping memorize my online findings. Plus, giving me another channel to do more research for clients.

Posterous and Tumblr

I see the 2 platforms as similar ones except of the way you post stuff to it. The major benefits of using either one is it makes the blogging experience more simplified. No need for special headings, copy/paste from Word and etc. Currently, I’m experimenting with Posterous for Simpleet and it’s coming along very well.

This is not even a handful of available social media for use out on the web right now. But I’d say they are few of the popular ones which I’ve heard and am using right now.

What about yourself? When was the last time you listed the platforms you’re actively using today?

My Official DiGi Pimp My Broadband Video

As I mentioned before, I’m not a director and drawing isn’t my strongest skill when it came to design – life drawing, at least. But enough chatter, I hope you find the heart to enjoy my video submission to the DiGi Pimp My Broadband or at least, thump to the groove.

If you found the video okay, please vote for it on the DiGi Pimp My Broadband website. There are no tedious registrations and only just a button to click; thumbs up.

Or, create your own video and submit it to the website.

Sneak Preview: My DiGi Pimp My Broadband Video

Firsly, I’m not a qualified film director. Secondly, I’m also not a trained graphic designer and yes, there is a difference between a graphic designer and website designer. If you don’t know this, you’re either in the wrong job or you’re in the wrong company!

Here’s a sneak preview of what to expect from my video later.

I’m roughing it out so don’t bash me for not having an artist’s hand.

Uses For Twitter Today

Some LowYat members were commenting on how Twitter is boring. In my reply at the forum, it was a list of uses I’ve noticed Twitter being used for today. Thus, I thought to elaborate on each point and turn it into a blog post.

What is the Twitter phenomenon about?

Twitter is another social media marketing platform. Broken down into simpler terms is it’s a social platform come opportunity for you to also market yourself, your product or your business.

How is Twitter being used by individuals and businesses today?

Technical support channel

A quick example at the top of my mind would be, Dell. True to Dell’s business model of selling desktops and notebooks only on the Internet, they were quick to adopt Twitter into their marketing strategy. Some other companies using Twitter for technical support are Media Temple, Six Apart and others.

Traffic and awareness generator

Unsurprisingly, I’d say this would be one of the Top 3 purposes for Twitter. Another example which comes to mind is the new Nokia mobile device launch in Malaysia, the n97. Twitter is surely becoming a platform for quick notifications about the coolest events happening.

Opinion sharing and support

One of the ways Twitter users or Twitterers are making an impact on a selected issue or topic is by creating a trending topic or popular topic. Twitterers do this by consistently attaching a hashtag to their posting. For example; with the sucky Internet connection right now, you’ll find #streamyxsuck to be a trending topic.

Quick on-the-go updates

I’m following a torrent provider on Twitter so I’d know instantly when my favorite series is released online. But imagine if Malaysia’s traffic support like LITRAK or RONDA used Twitter. Malaysian twitterers would be able to plan their traveling in advance.

Relationship or friendship or fan updates

Like Facebook, it’s a good way to stay in touch with people – though it’s limited to 140 characters. A ton of people are following their favorite celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Britney Spears and more on Twitter.

Communication platform

It’s a quick way for you to get in touch instantly with a person or company. For example; every time Exabyes twitted something I replied to remind them of the Starbucks vouchers I hadn’t received.

Credibility builder

Like starting a blog, you want to show people how much an expert you are. Personally, I noticed my involvement with more popular marketing platforms allows me to build a wider and better credibility with more users.

Obviously, there are more uses – some undiscovered.

Twitter has an API for many to explore and experiment with its use. And what ‘you know. A twitterer I’m following (@mashable) just shared this link; Social Mojo: What Kind of Twitter User Are You?

So, what is your use for Twitter today?