With all the different programming languages out there, and all the new ones coming out, how does anyone ever learn enough to be a semi-professional webmaster and still keep up? I use only regular HTML on my site because I have enough to learn just to keep content fresh on my site let alone learn new programming. Do you just pick a language and learn it, or are there tricks used to integrate your programming time with your content and SE submission time?

>do you just pick a language and learn it...

learn, yes. Master? No.

the old 80-20 rule comes into play, and it might be more like a 95-5 rule when it comes to web technologies.

That is, by learning the basics that you need to have in order to accomplish the most common tasks, you've got a foundation that gets you up and running in any area. then, when a sticky task comes up, you can intelligently expand your book-learning, or ask good questions from the many helpful places on the web.

with the basics under your belt, you also know when you need to outsource, and you have enough understanding not to be flying blind when hiring a subcontractor.

Let me tell you, it's not easy. It seems like every week there are new programs and software coming out that claims to be the best out there. Learn what you need to know to get by and get your stuff done and keep your eyes out for the "programs" that are really worth investing your time into...

Hope that's helpful! Hang in there.

Great advice!! I've lost count of the amount of "new" stuff I have had to learn over the years. I consider myself to be very capable in a wide range of progamming but I am not a master of any.

Over the years I have my own supply of resource ready made for me, whether that be signing up to newletters on various topics etc. Helps me keep abreast of all that is going on and dip in to anything that is of interest to me.

With regards to SE at the moment I would suggest putting in the time to grasp good CSS layout skills, a well built site using well structured CSS is a massive benefit. With most stuff if you look hard enough there are great free templates ready to use.