[thelist] Are Web designers a dying breed?

[Palyne Gaenir]

I have to say that apart from a lot of answers I never would have 
gotten otherwise -- many given to others -- the coolest part about 
lists like Evolt is the inspiration.  To realize, you know, that 
these people who can just breathe out something complex and cool, 
they taught themselves just like anybody else for the most part; and 
if I pay attention and work on doing things well, eventually, I can 
do it too.  

I feel an interesting sense of 'community', knowing that many other 
independent web developers (and a few who aren't independent) are 
also familiar with the working 24/7 live on a string overworked 
overcoded chronic deadline kind of life -- we have all spent far too 
much time working at 2am, drinking too much caffeine, and eating 
pizza or top ramen 'cause it's faster and/or cheaper than 'real' 
meals.  Working on your own can be a pretty lonely job in a way, 
especially if you work a lot of hours.  A sense of community.... no 
matter how virtual.... helps a lot.  Thanks, Evoltians.  -- Palyne

> In that regard... it has certainly been my experience that
> subscription to lists such as this one (I am diligently reading 6
> these days) has had a marked effect on my efforts and abilities.