RobbieTheGeek.Com

I have been away from my blogs for a bit and doing lots and lots of work. The 9-5 job has been very busy, and the side-gigs are busy but learning has really held my attention more then anything else. The Triad of learning at this time is, books, blogs and podcasts.Well here it is I have really started throwing all of my free time into Web Design. Reading, applying what I am reading, read some more, rinse and repeat. Thank god for the books from the masters, the web for tutorials, articles, and blogs. I have received years worth of training for very little money. I have become an avid reader of blogs, this is for 2 reasons first I write a blog so I am interested in what folks write when they blog, and that all the people in the know/master's of the field of web standards and design write up fantastic articles with their thoughts on the most pertinent subjects of the day. I have been trying to play about 8-10 years of catchup by reading the most influencial books on the subsections of web design.I am going to skip over podcasts for the most part I will mention that if you are into web design and unlucky enough to make it all around the world to every conference under the sun podcasts are an amazing answer. Recently there was a conference in New Zealand called WebStock and every section and presentation is now online and available at WebStock. Last week was @Media and there are assurances from lots of my favorite bloggers that all the presentations will be online soon...Now on to Books, and here is a quick listing and review (of the books I have read so far):

Web Standards Solutions

by Dan CederholmThis is a fantastic book for those starting out with Website work. This book argues the reasons for using and utilizing Web Standards without feeling preachy or pretentious. I have listened to alot of podcasts and read alot of blogs that almost take a holier-then-thou approach to Web Standards, this book is as far from that feeling as anything could be. A great resourse for all interested in the Web Design / Development world.

Bullet Proof Web Design

by Dan CederholmFrom the moment I opened this book I never wanted to put it down, building on the foundation that was layed down in Web Standards Solutions Dan Cederholm continues to teach us all the techniques, tricks and ways of web standerds design. A very clear sequel to Web Standerds Solutions and just more of the same read it, learn it, use the skills picked up to create better more efficient websites.

DOM Scripting: Web Design with JavaScript and the Document Object Model

by Jeremy KeithI am a JavaScript newbie, learning whatever I can. I have read many blogs and out-of-date tutorials, this is not one of those resources that is outdated before it was published. This book tackles the idea that JavaScript doesn't have to remain in the background, like the evil, forgotten stepchild known only for the annoying pop-ups. A fantastic reference on not just JavaScript but on the idea of DOM Scripting and unobtrusive javascript. Other concepts solidified in this book are progressive enhancement and graceful degradation. A definate read for anyone looking to learn more about the "new" way of adding dynamic content to a website.

CSS: The Designer's Edge

by Molly E. HolzschlagI very good beginner's view into the world of CSS design and the abandoinning of the "old" way of doing web site layout(i.e. tables for layout). A good read for solidfying your knowledge of CSS.

Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability

by Steve Krug A very good resource for the novice to the feild of user-interface design. A entertaining and educational, Steven Krug is a trailblazer full of useful information.

Be back soon to talk more on this subject. Please feel free to send off links or leave comments with your suggestions...