Re: Discussion: Certification vs. Guild

Subject: Re: Discussion: Certification vs. Guild
From: Tracy Boyington <trlyboyi -at- GENESIS -dot- ODVTE -dot- STATE -dot- OK -dot- US>
Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 08:15:02 +0000

> Recently, while exploring HTML, I was surfing the net looking at sites
> for HTML and came upon the HTML Writer's Guild at http://www.hwg.org/.
> And the idea of a guild, with apprentices, journeymen (excuse me), and
> master craftsmen (people, sorry again) really appealed to me. Much more
> than a piece of paper from someone saying I was certified. (snip)

> The idea of a guild appeals to me because there is a notion of community
> and craft pride rolled up into the guild. I don't know what would
> determine the transition points between apprentice and journeyperson, or
> journey and master. But the idea that there is a set of skills that can
> be taught through the practice of the craft is appealing to me.

Unfortunately, the HTML Writer's Guild doesn't work that way.

First, there is supposed to be a mentoring program, but no mentors seem
to participate in it. One novice recently asked someone from the
mentoring list for help and received a reply that it would cost
$75/hour. There are a few mailing lists, including one on "basics"
and one that's more advanced. I subscribe to the advanced list, and
anyone who asks a beginner's question tends to be dragged into the
bushes and savagely beaten. On the other hand, why ask it on the
beginner list, since they probably don't know the answer?

Second, membership doesn't really mean anything. I could put a logo
on my page right now that proudly proclaims I'm a member of the HTML
Guild. Never mind that I don't know anything about image maps, CGI,
PERL, or even have a page on the WWW yet. All I have to do is send in
my name and promise not to discuss pricing, and I'm official.

So what I'm saying is that while this sounds like a wonderful idea, I
don't think it has any teeth.

Tracy


==========================================================
Tracy Boyington trlyboyi -at- genesis -dot- odvte -dot- state -dot- ok -dot- us
Technical Communication Specialist
Oklahoma Department of Vocational & Technical Education
Stillwater, Oklahoma

I never express opinions, but if one slips out, it belongs
to me and not ODVTE.

"I think I did pretty well, considering I started out
with nothing but a bunch of blank paper."
-- Steve Martin
==========================================================


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