In his most recent essay, Gerry McGovern was discussing expert opinions and voices. One particular comment he made struck a chord:
The Web is maturing. It needs more people like Jakob Nielsen who propose, explain and defend rules.
Now you can say what you will about Jakob, but I think the sentiment is right. I also think that priase needs to be spread a little farther to include Molly, Eric, Jeffrey and the countless other standards evangelists (both internationally renown and sitting in the cube next to you) who feel it is their calling to enforce the “rules” of the web. These are people who truly believe, as I do, that constraints are necessary for creativity. Jason Fried mentioned something similar in his discussion of Basecamp (and I am probably paraphrasing):
Limited time, limited people, limited funding… they make you creative
I think the same could be said for embracing web standards. I mean look at the Zen Garden, the Web Standards Awards, etc. There is some amazingly creative work out there that embraces the “restrictions” of web standards. Frankly, I think that web standards are the main reason DOM scripting (and all that comes with it) has been able to flourish: standards ensure a solid platform upon which to build anything. Their constraints free you to get creative and really make something new.
So let’s hear it for them: a round of applause for all of the standards evangelists out there. Keep up the great work, we appreciate all that you do.
