Web Standards Awards | February 10, 2004

wsa.jpg

As you’re probably aware, I post a lot of links to nice looking CSS sites. I’d been thinking about creating a CSS links site for some time, but never got round to it. Then in Sep 2003, a chap called Johan emailed me ask my opinion about a personal project he was working on.

The project was called the Web Standards Awards and the concept was simple. Each month, a group of judges would give awards to their favourite CSS sites. Most of the hard work had already been done. The design was set, the stylesheets were built and the most significant thing was the need for a “Backend”. I was looking forward to seeing this site launched, so spent the next few months emailing Johan to see how things were going. However Johan was snowed under at work and having difficulty finding the time to finish the project.

At the same time, Cameron from The Man In Blue started talking about the need for a web standards award site, so the three of us decided to join forces. Johan finished tweaking the design, Cameron supplied the copy and I set up MT. As we’ve all been busy, it’s taken a few months for the site to be ready. However as of this moment I’m pleased to say…

The Web Standards Awards are now open.

Posted at February 10, 2004 8:31 AM

Comments

Jon Hicks said on February 10, 2004 9:25 AM

The design of the site itself deserves an award - it love it. Did you have a hand in the design?

Andy Budd said on February 10, 2004 9:42 AM

I wish I could say yes, but I’d be fibbing. The design was totally down to Johan.

Chris said on February 10, 2004 11:03 AM

Good luck lads, I have to agree with Jon that the site looks lovely so well done to Johan

Pete said on February 10, 2004 11:58 AM

In a round about way [via the Web Standards Group mail list] you were referred to, so I came, I saw, and I drooled…

Well, I’m newish to CSS and trying to get better. Therefore, when I look at this page and you very handily offer the css link I can sit back and look, and look, and learn what makes things work.

I appreciate it. Have a ‘virtual’ beer on me and thanks for pushing the envelope in web design.

Warm Regards,
Pete

Webboy said on February 10, 2004 1:29 PM

An excellent thing to do, done so very elegantly.

Well done Johan, Andy and Cameron (in no particular order). It may take a (short) while, but this sapling WILL bloom.

Humbly,

PeterF
WSG ListDad

Scrivs said on February 10, 2004 3:51 PM

Cool. In the criteria you mention that the sites must validate, but the last two entries didn’t (the second corrected), so what makes something an exception?

Keith said on February 10, 2004 8:34 PM

Nice work! How does one apply to become a site of the month judge. ;)

Ben Pirt said on February 11, 2004 3:43 PM

Great idea, I look forward to seeing who the next winners are.
It’s great to instill a certain pride in both the visual design and the under the hood technical design and I’m glad they are both taken into account.

Good Job guys.

PS I assume the site can’t enter itself :-) Nice design

Andy Budd said on February 11, 2004 7:19 PM

Sounds painful Ben, and in all likelihood illegal ;-)

Jacob Patton said on February 12, 2004 3:17 AM

I love the WSA’s design, too—so much that I was reminded of a long-standing question I’ve had:

How do you create those lovely drop-shadow borders in Photoshop? The CSS is a cinch, but my shadows will never tile; they all have an odd halo that makes them wavy.

Does anyone know of a good tutorial on the subject?

Neil Vodka said on February 12, 2004 10:42 PM

Just downloaded Firefox, Its killed IE for me. Superior i think is the word.

Neil Vodka said on February 12, 2004 10:43 PM

Just downloaded Firefox, its just a shame you cant uninstall IE.

Carole Guevin said on February 13, 2004 9:53 PM

We’ve got news!!! Hats off! Congrats!

yul b karel said on February 15, 2004 11:24 AM

wow, the idea is brilliant, i really like the WSA site, nice clean design!! luv it

posted on our news!!!

Design Portfolio said on March 8, 2004 4:20 PM

The idea is excellent, and your site is a perfect example of a top notch design. It might help both amateurs and professionals to create quality websites.