I’ve spent the past few years online trying to get to grips with webmastering - web development, design, coding, etc.
There are some great communities out there that really help get you get started, and I’ve found that different commuities have different flavours - and that some are better specialised in some areas than in others.
Overall, I’ve found it most useful to join a few different forums and become an active part in them - taking and giving advice, and generally using them as an excellent online reading resource.
In no particular order, here are some of the forums I’ve joined and been a part of:
1. WebmasterWorld
Probably the most famous webmaster forum out there, and famously the only place you could ask questions and receive answers from actual search engine staff.
However, search engines now have staff across a number of different forums now, and the moderating policy at WebmasterWorld can feel very unfriendly at times.
Still, some of the most experienced webmasters still post there, but there tends to be more people asking questions, than providing answers, these days.
2. DigitalPoint Forums
Shawn Hogan’s DigitalPoint forums have really grown in strength, not least because he provides a ton of really useful webmaster tools.
There’s a lot of good information on the forums, and it’s pretty much on the pulse of what’s happening.
http://forums.digitalpoint.com
3. Sitepoint
Sitepoint is another of the giants of webmaster forums. Although it’s grown something of a reputation for being more corporate these days, it’s still a great resource.
The webdevelopment section is a particular strength, and I’ve learned some nice XHTML tips there.
http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/
4. DaniWeb
The Daniweb forums are very much rooted in webdevelopment from a coding and programming point of view. This is a particular strength as coding issues can be the most difficult to deal with.
There’s quite a range of subject areas, but it does cover design and marketing subjects as well as specialist coding areas.
http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/
5. Webmaster Talk
Another general webmastering forum, covering general webdevelopment and webmastering issues.
I’ve got to admit, I’ve not been a regular visitor here, but as with many places, there’s help at hand if you know where to look.
http://www.webmaster-talk.com/
6. v7n
v7n is a forum run by John Scott, a sometimes controversial figure on the web. His forums are a useful resource, though, and there are some nice gems on the board if you know where to look.
7. The Admin Zone
If you’re every looking to set up an online forum yourself, somewhere like The Admin Zone can be invaluable.
While it doesn’t tend to cover general webdevelopment issues in as much depth as dedicated webmaster forums, if you are a webmaster setting up a forum, it could be invaluable.
http://www.theadminzone.com/forums/
8. The Online Developer
One thing I’ve found is that larger forums tend to have more people asking questions than providing answers. So recently I’ve been looking out for smaller forums, as they are often run by entrepreneurs who can provide one-on-one advice.
The Online Developer doesn’t even approach the size and scope of many of the other webmaster forums listed here, but it has a nice small community feel, with a lot more signal to noise.
http://www.theonlinedeveloper.com/
9. Web Design Forums.net
This is a much more graphics and design orientated wemaster forum, which is great if you really want to push on exploring layout and design issues in more depth.
Again, I’ve not used this forum much recently, but I remember joining when it was still small and got some really useful tips from it, so is still recommended.
http://www.webdesignforums.net
10. Cre8asite
The Cre8asite forums are probably the best small webmaster forums out there. Signal to noise ratio is pretty high, and there are some incredibly experienced and knowledgable people on the site.
I can’t say I’m too keen on the design, but if it’s good solid information you want then the Cre8asite forums are one of the best - and one of the best kept secrets on the net.
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