Over the next couple weeks, we're going to learn more HTML which will help you implement your words. But I want to make it clear: HTML dexterity isn't the only way to land a solid content gig. Because there's more than one kind of content online.
There's more to Web content than just words.
Think about that for a minute. Then visit http://www.broadcast.com or http://www.killfrog.com or http://www.gamesville.com (a personal favorite).
This quick sampling of popular Web sites demonstrates how varied the Web is in terms of content. You'll find:
- music
- video
- illustration
- animation
- software applications (games)
- discussion groups ... and more.
Of course, this is easier said than done. And exploring different types of content typically requires learning new software applications as well as opening yourself up to the specific content's aesthetics and characteristics. The learning curve on either side — the technical and the intellectual — can be steep.
But speaking as someone who dabbles in different types of content for a living, the rewards are more than worth the effort.
Best of all, the content skills you've already acquired — your editorial judgment, for example — are easily transferable and applicable to other kinds of content.
Speaking again from my own experience: I'm Senior Managing Producer for Lycos Gamesville ... meaning, I make sure all the words and pictures that make it to gamesville.com say and do the right thing. In this role, I supervise and work with a team of a dozen designers and producers.
NOTE: I am not a designer myself. But I am a good thinker; I'm able to put myself into the user's mind set and thus able to steer Gamesville's products in a user-friendly direction. I help refine our messages, our games, our marketing, for maximum effectiveness. As a content professional, you have similar skills. Develop these skills further. They are rare. They are invaluable. Use them.
If it turns out these new types of content are not for you, well, you've learned an important lesson. Moreover, you'll have a deeper appreciation of the power and potential of online media — which will certainly help your future content efforts.
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