Getting It Right?

          In Brian Carroll's Writing for Digital Media, Chapter 6, titled "Getting it Right", discussed the processes that an online page has to or should go through before becoming published.

          In particular, Carroll talks about some differences between online editors and print editors. The main difference that he pointed out that caught my eye, was that online editors need to possess different skill sets than print editors. Online editors need to be able to "create a simple web page and have a basic understanding of XHTML and CSS" (128). I have been surrounded by people that all tell me that knowing how to code and use interface is a very valued skill set. Not many people are incredibly good at it, and a lot of people have never coded anything. I fit very nicely into this category. One website that I have been told of is Code Academy. It walks you through very basic things and has tutorials to help. It is a good way to learn how to use computer coding without a time pressure or grades hanging over your shoulder. You can learn to code at your own rate. Do you think coding is as important as everyone thinks? Should it be a mandatory thing taught in schools? Why or why not?

An example of a Code Academy tutorial

          I also thought it was very interesting that Carroll pointed out that online editors should print out the webpage that they are editing and read it aloud. If they printed out the page, couldn't it technically be called print editing? This was something that confused me. Should editors have a chance to work at both mediums? Should their be different training for each since they are apparently so different? Why or why not?