jbrotherlove

Atlanta continues its efforts to become the tech/web hub of the South with a week of events under the umbrella: Atlanta Web Week (September 20-25, 2010). Atlanta Web Week is a combination of events, parties, seminars, etc., held by different groups in the Atlanta area. The “crown jewel” (as it were) is Web Directions USA on September 23-24.

There’s a good amount of variety for developers interested in the newest web technology. Unfortunately, many of the events are cost prohibitive for the average, non-corporate geek ($350 per workshop; up to $1000 for the conference). This is especially frustrating when you consider the bulk of the technologies to be discussed are free, low cost and/or open source. A post for another time.

Nevertheless, there are some freebies to be had:

• Atlanta Javascript Meetup’s Javascript Framework Overview
• UX talks at the Portfolio Center
• WE Rock Tour
• AIGA Studio Hops 1 & 2
• Amped (the hack-day, reloaded)
• Various parties/networking events

Acknowledging that I am somewhat privileged, I will be attending Web Directions, as well as Amped and a few of the other events. I’m hoping to meet other web folk throughout the week (especially those based in Atlanta). If that’s you, feel free to hit me up at the conference or one of the social events.

So while I wasn’t paying attention, I was added to a list of 100 Web Designers to follow on Twitter by the Design and Marketing Blog. Apparently, the article was “Dugg” as well. This has resulted in an influx of new, Twitter follower requests and eyes on this particular blog which – ironically – is just experimental and not focused on design at all.

Trippy.

Many of the people included in the list are at the top of their game; published speakers, and the like. That’s an aspiration of mine. Sure, I spend my days (and nights) buried in code and Photoshop, consulting with clients, test-driving new social networks, and putting out CSS fires. But there isn’t a heck of a lot of my work online. I don’t link to my work from my Twitter account or draw a lot of attention to the design/development work I do.

I just do the work.

But It seems I’m just a little too comfortable working my magic out of the spotlight. If I want to command the type of clients and income of industry leaders on a consistent basis (and I do – I really do), I’ll need to change my modus operandi with the quickness!

I have already begun. I created a new Twitter account last month to focus mostly on web design/development, social media, etc. I haven’t begun using it yet. But once the redesign is done on my design/development site, I’ll write/interact more under that persona and link like crazy.

That’s the plan, anyway. And with SXSW 2009 only four months away, I’ve got to get crackin’!

Oh, and welcome.