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Have you ever wondered exactly what it is that webmasters do? In this interview, an experienced webmaster and web developer shares what his career journey has been like since the pioneering days of the internet in 1996.


A: My job title is varied, because I work for myself from home. Most would call me a webmaster or web developer. The industry is also varied. Whatever industry works at that specific time is the one I work in. I have been working as a webmaster, or in some capacity on the internet or with computers since January of 1996. As for adjectives, I would say persistent, hardworking, and curious are good.


A: I am a white male, and I think this unchosen advantage has helped me in some ways, and hindered me in others. There are certain industries where it helps to be female, and certain industries where it definitely is an advantage to be male. I would say that about 80% of the time it is advantageous to be a male in this industry, as it is in the rest of the world.


A: What I do is very diverse. I maintain about 25 different websites, updating content, HTML, and search engine optimization as I go. I also make sure that my different clients' traffic is making the most possible money for them. The misunderstandings that people usually have are that I work at home, and this often makes them think that either I do not work very much, or that I can take time off whenever I want to.


A: I would rate my job satisfaction at about 8 out of 10. Most of the reason I am not satisfied enough is myself. If I could get organized with my work and stay that way I would be even happier. Working from home is not for everyone; some people need to be motivated by a supervisor or boss.


A: I'm not sure it moves my heart, but the writing part does. I feel like I was meant to write, so when a client asks for writing I am very happy.


A: Working from home as a webmaster is great, but it can get lonely. Make sure you know this going in. Try to make time every day to get out of the house and visit friends, or at least do something active like take a walk.


A: I have a degree in English from Georgetown University, so working on computers is a strange place to end up. I just started fooling with the Internet when I was a senior, and the rest is history. I do not think I would change anything.


A: There are a lot of ups and downs with this job. Sometimes you make money, sometimes you don't. Saving money is key, or you could end up not being able to pay your bills.


A: There is always someone out there ready to take your place, so work hard!


A: I randomly met one of my clients, and did not know who he was until about an hour after I met him. It's a very strange feeling to meet someone you think is a stranger, and then to realize you know him really well.


A: I love my job, so getting up to go into the kitchen to work is very easy. I'm proud of my writing. I was recently published in U.S. News & World Report magazine; three separate articles! I am proud of the fact that I have gotten to the point where I am an 'expert' on just about anything you can think of; clients come to me with a diversity of different subjects and products, and it helps to be able to do everything for them and not outsource work.


A: Challenges on my job usually have to do with software failure or network outages. They can be very frustrating.


A: My job is not that stressful, unless the work just isn't there. It's hard to create work out of thin air. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance, but sometimes it is very hard. I have two daughters, and sometimes I feel like I neglect them, but I always try to make up for it in the end.


A: I make between 50-75K a year. I definitely live within my means. You learn how to do that quickly with my job. When I first started, it was easier to make a lot of money. Now there is a ton of competition, so it's harder to stay ahead.


A: I try to take 2-4 weeks of vacation a year, but I have to take my job with me wherever I go. Another hazard of the job, as anything can go wrong at any time with a client's site. I haven't been without some sort of internet connection in at least 15 years. It is annoying, but very necessary.


A: You can be self-taught, but it really helps to have some sort of computer degree to really succeed, especially if you are going to go into my field in the private sector. If you choose to work at home, the training is not as necessary.


A: Be prepared to work long hours, especially at first, and to not make enough money for a year or two. It helps to have another part-time job, or some sort of cushion, to help you get through the harder times.


A: Really, I'd like to be doing the same thing, but I would love to get more organized so that I could make about twice as much as I'm making now. If that doesn't happen, I'll be fine anyway. I really do love my job; at least 90% of the stuff I do I consider fun.