Moving WebWord: Goodbye Webmaster, Hello Internet Strategist

Say Goodbye to "Webmaster", Say Hello to "Internet Strategist"

Welcome to the new world of the Internet my friend. It is time to drop your title as Webmaster, and pick up something a bit more jazzy. How would you like to be an Internet Strategist or an Electronic Commerce Manager? The time is now to cast your new role. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the once ubiquitous "Webmaster" position is a memory. There is a need for teams of people with broad skills, diverse knowledge, and an eye for the Internet future.

Why is this important to you, a reader of Moving WebWord? Does usability play a role in shaping the future of the 'Net? You can bet your life it does!

Suppose we take the position of Internet Strategist and explore what this means. Let's start with a definition. According to Inter@active Week Online,
we can define an Internet Strategist in this way:

"[The Internet Strategist] Develops, executes and manages strategy for use of emerging Internet technologies in support of division or corporate initiatives. In other words, prepares the company for the future."

Internet Strategists also get paid quite well for their crystal balls. How does $115,000 sound to you? Don't just take my word for it, take a look at the salary survey I found.

I'd consider myself an Internet Strategist. In fact, I have added the title to my e-mail signature file. I'm completely serious. A powerful title can mean a lot. If you can tell people that you have a vision, and if you can back it up with words, an education, some experience, and some great references, you might be on your way. Do not underestimate the power of your job title and your Web experiences.

Now, back to usability. If you do seek to understand and control the future, then usability is your key to success. Don't let these words fall on deaf ears: users drive the Internet economy. Don't think for a minute that you can hide from this. If you want to be a future oriented Internet Strategist, then it is time for you to wake up to usability. Easy to use, easy to learn Web sites will drive to the core of all businesses.

The future of Internet commerce is not as much about exchanges of money as it is about trading information and focusing on the needs of your clients. Take the time to envision how your business partners will use the Web too. Act on that knowledge, and act on it now. The future is rushing at you, but you can control it effectively by focusing on Internet and Intranet usability.

Webmasters no longer exist. Sure, the name will hang around for awhile, it is all too catchy. But there will not be a single Webmaster pulling the strings of a Web site. They are becoming too large, and too important. Find your niche now, and embrace usability. You'll be glad you did.

And with a new title, if you can get one, you might also get a hefty raise.

UPDATE: (8-Feb-99) I found an article today about the "New Web Order" on InfoWorld. The article provides further evidence that the 'Webmaster' is an old, dying concept. Teams of developers are becoming the rule, and single developers with all the right skills are becoming scarce. If you are currently a Webmaster, your task is to find the right skills that will be useful in the future. One such tool is usability. Any company, at any level of Web development can benefit. The article also points out an important fact: Departments are no longer willing to turn over control to the Webmaster. They want a say in what is being developed. Also, the tools are becoming available to take control away from single Webmasters. Distributed content control is likely to become the norm. Again, if you are a Webmaster, it is advised that you reconsider your title and your exact role. Know how usability can aid in your ever-changing and complex position.

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