Web Developer Magazine Recommendations

March 7, 2007 9:03 AM

I'm looking for recommendations for a glossy, monthly publication catering to web developers and/or designers.

I'm interested in server and client side scripting, accessibility standards and compliance, validation to W3C standards, strategies for good design, commentary on the state of the web and the latest technologies and buzzwords.

I'm a novice web developer/designer looking for a good way to keep up with the industry as well as enhancing my skill set. The web produces an embarrassment of riches on these topics so I'm looking for something I can read throughout the month that can provide good jumping-off points.

Thanks!

posted by lyam to computers & internet (10 comments total)

web design magazines... did you even try?
posted by ReiToei at 9:37 AM on March 7, 2007

I've yet to find something in print which fulfills all the needs lyam described, so in lieu of 'old media' magazines, I use Bloglines to subscribe to just about every designer/developer tutorial blog in existence. In my experience, browsing those feeds each day offers more education than any one print publication could offer.
posted by deern the headlice at 9:48 AM on March 7, 2007

ReiToei:
Yes I tried. I'd rather not subscribe to a magazine I know next to nothing about and I was hoping to avoid hours of fruitless research which is why I'm asking for recommendations in a place known for helpful advice. Thanks for the snark, though. I almost forgot I was on the internet.

deern the headlice:
Thanks for the tip. I do visit a number of sites fairly regularly but I'm hoping to find some magazines I can carry around with me.
posted by lyam at 9:58 AM on March 7, 2007

Most print magazines are fluff, geared towards advertisers. The good stuff is on the web. However, if you insist on something you can read on the bus, MSDN Magazine is useful if you work in the Microsoft universe, although it's replicated for free on the web.
posted by matildaben at 10:10 AM on March 7, 2007

.Net Magazine, since its relaunch its cover much more technical subjects.
posted by Z303 at 10:20 AM on March 7, 2007

It wasn't a snark. Your question is vague, I am honestly trying to help you. I own my own web consultancy company in Ireland and I work for the national television broadcaster. In terms of enhancing my skillset over the last 12 years, I've never once picked up a web design magazine.

In my experience, they're all complete crap.

There is no web design magazine available that comes close to resource sites like thinkvitamin, oswd, html dog, exploding boy, 456 Berea Street, smashing magazine, css vault. etc. etc.

You'd honestly be better off printing articles / saving articles from those sites and carry them around with you rather than some crappy, out-of-date piece of dead wood full of product placement.
posted by ReiToei at 10:22 AM on March 7, 2007 [2 favorites has favorites]

I love How Magazine. It's on the designer side of webbery and talks a lot about trends, new software, typography, and other delicious goodies.
How is the sister magazine to Print magazine.
posted by idiotfactory at 10:27 AM on March 7, 2007

No print.

http://www.adaptivepath.com/publications/essays/archives/

http://alistapart.com/articles/
posted by zackola at 10:27 AM on March 7, 2007

I apologize for jumping on you Rei. My question is somewhat broad because I'm looking for a broad resource. It looks like one might not exist.

Thanks for the thoughts and online suggestions, everyone.
posted by lyam at 10:47 AM on March 7, 2007

not strictly web, but i've picked up Computer Arts a few times in airports or train stations and found it to be useful. It's geared towards for graphic artists, but it's good to get a bit outside your comfort zone. It's expensive but it's glossy (as per your original request).
posted by kamelhoecker at 6:17 PM on March 7, 2007