By Peter Prestipino, Editor-In-Chief
I did a few rough calculations when the Website Magazine team was putting this issue together.
In the 10 years since the first pages of this publication were initially made available back in Nov. 2005, I've consumed no fewer than 10,000 cups of coffee while within the confines of Website Magazine offices, acquired many thousands of followers on social networks, used five mobile phones and three different laptops, written well over 5,000 posts and articles for the weblog and print edition of this publication (not to mention three books) and edited thousands more from staff and contributors. I have even hit "send"¬ù on what I can only assume is many millions of emails at this point.
I've attended more tradeshows and networking events than I can possibly remember, and even been fortunate enough to speak at a few. I have been interviewed countless times and interviewed thousands of Web professionals myself, from established CEOs whose companies were eventually acquired by the biggest brands in business and technology, to startup founders in emerging industries whose vision, motivation and dedication was nothing short of pure inspiration.
It has been an amazing 10 years filled with successes and failures, highs and lows - and I would not want it any other way.
What I didn't realize when the first issue of Website Magazine was published was just how much I would ultimately learn; not about the technologies or tactics mind you (although I've acquired many important and valuable lessons in that time frame that shape everything I do now and will do in the future), but rather about people and their fears, needs and motivations.
A lot can happen in 10 years, but I feel confident in saying this: If you are able to understand what people (friends, family as well as your digital audience) ultimately want and need, you and your enterprise will be better off for it - much better in fact. That's not easy, of course, as we all are motivated by both the seen and unseen, the immediate and the fleeting. Some are concerned with profit (money), others compliments, and still others some publicity or at least recognition. Some have a need to be understood, others for a sense of security. These are not easy demands to meet, of course, requiring a sensitivity that can only be developed by making the effort, remaining committed to a cause and purpose greater than oneself, and being vulnerable and willing to fail.
Making a genuine connection with those around you isn't easy, but it is worth it. I encourage all readers of Website Magazine to make that effort as the reward is immense.
This issue, and all those before it, would not have been possible without the help of many people - the list too long for the confines of this one page. These people helped me understand my own vision for this publication, worked feverishly to help manifest it and have all been a valuable part of Website Magazine's, and my own, success and for that I am eternally grateful.
To our readers, and all those that have supported us, 10 years later, I say thanks. With a continued dedication to understanding the people and technologies that represent this industry, we will all be positioned for greater success in the future.
