The Monthly Newsletter for Web Professionals
Volume 7 Issue 07 - July 2005
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Letter from the Executive Editor
Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.
-- Motivational author Napoleon Hill
Those are some good words, words that we have taken to heart here at WOW. We try never to wait until the time is “just right.” If an idea pops into our collective heads, we jump on it. If it doesn’t work, we try something else.
Well, whatever we’ve been trying must be working. I recently received a call from RTI International, an independent, nonprofit, North Carolina research outfit that does work for government and private industry, asking for our help. RTI is working with the Department of Labor to develop O*NET http://onet.rti.org/, the Occupational Information Network, which is a comprehensive database of worker attributes and job characteristics. It will replace the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) as the nation's primary source of occupational information.
O*NET, which offers job descriptions and duties for more than 900 positions, is sponsored by the Department of Labor/Education and Training Administration (US DOL/ETA). The job descriptions on the site become the official description used by government and some private companies. WOW’s role in all of this will be to prompt its members to answer a questionnaire that seeks to formally add two job titles to the list: Web Administrator and Web Developer.
That WOW was selected to help is quite an honor. After looking at about a dozen other Web professional associations, RTI picked WOW as the one to participate. What this means is that WOW members will set the standard for the official definition of the two titles that will be added to the list.
Why WOW?
Laurie Cluff, who does Health, Social & Economics research for RTI, explains:
“We searched for different organizations that would represent the occupations best.”
So, what started as an effort to help Web professionals has grown into a well-respected association that has won national recognition for best representing the industry. That’s high praise, but something that we – meaning WOW volunteers and members – have done together. You should be very proud of yourself and of your organization. I am.
To find out more information about the questionnaire, go to the members section of the WOW Discussion Forum http://www.webprofessionals.org/forum/forum_posts.asp and look for the item titled “Set the standard and earn 40 bucks.” Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that just for taking part, RTI will send you $40. Can’t beat that.
When you get to the Forum, also check out some categories we added.
The Education section is a place where educators, students or anyone with an opinion or information about education can add a post. I encourage teachers especially to utilize the Forum for posing questions of Web professionals or your colleagues; for sharing lesson plans; or for just finding a shoulder to cry on after an unusually hard day.
The category titled Web Professionals contains two forums: On the Move and Profiles.
On the Move is where you can post announcements about job promotions or changes. Here’s where you can let your colleagues know about any advancements you’ve made in your career. Don’t be shy. Sometimes the best way to get known in an industry is to pat yourself on the back. No doubt you deserve it, so why not let others know.
The Profiles forum is where you’ll find stories about others in the field, including the big shots featured on Web sites and magazines. Maybe, if you read enough of these, you find the real secret to success. If you do, be sure to mail it to bill@joinwow.org
And please, don’t wait for us to populate the Forum. You don’t need a blog to get your opinions out. Use the Forum.
Well, back to work. It’s not easy being part of a team that created a nationally recognized organization, you know.
Have a good one,
Bill