: What does the term 'webmaster' signify in the computing world? We know webmasters are managers and maintainers of websites. But is that all there is to it? Does being a Webmaster require any

@Kristi941

Wikipedia defines a webmaster as:


A webmaster (a blend of web and master), also called a web architect, web developer, site author, website administrator, or (informally) webmeister, sometimes heard in tongue-in-cheek feminine form web mistress, is a person responsible for maintaining a website(s). The duties of the webmaster may include ensuring that the web servers, hardware and software are operating accurately, designing the website, generating and revising web pages, replying to user comments, and examining traffic through the site. Webmasters "must also be well-versed in Web transaction software, payment-processing software, and security software."

Webmasters may be generalists with
HTML expertise who manage most or all
aspects of Web operations. Depending
on the nature of the websites they
manage, webmasters typically know
scripting languages such as
Javascript, PHP and Perl. They may
also be required to know how to
configure web servers such as Apache
or IIS and serve as the server
administrator.

An alternative definition of webmaster
is a businessperson who uses online
media to sell products and/or
services. This broader definition of
webmaster covers not just the
technical aspects of overseeing Web
site construction and maintenance but
also management of content,
advertising, marketing and order
fulfillment for the Web site.

Core responsibilities of the webmaster
may include the regulation and
management of access rights of
different users of a website, the
appearance and setting up website
navigation. Content placement can be
part of a webmaster's
responsibilities, while content
creation may not be.


So, as you can see, webmaster encompasses a lot of skillsets but doesn't require all of them to be met in order to be called a webmaster. If you put that on your resume you better clarify exactly what your duties were with any site you were a webmaster on or at least have a good answer prepared when they ask you what that means. Also keep in mind that most employers aren't looking for a generalist (which the title "webmaster" implies) but someone to perform a specific duty. If you claim to be a webmaster you may typecast yourself as a generalist instead of targeting yourself towards the position you are applying for.

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