Here’s my latest attempt to play catch-up in the world of web design. I suppose you might say I’m cheating somewhat, as I finally broke down and used a WordPress template to get my website up and running.

It was a lesson in humility. I grew up knowing how to build a website virtually from scratch, but that was back in simpler times: learning Microsoft FrontPage 2000 as a high school freshman, then going on to some basic websites for myself, the Army Marathon Team, and this one which I made in 2009 while working with the West Point admissions team.

But in the years since, with my job requirements and interests elsewhere, I allowed my design skills to stagnate, right at a time when the online world grew far more complex with the intro of smartphones and mobile devices, more flashy websites and exponentially more complicated html/php/whatever coding requirements. I tried to catch up and bring my web design into the 21st century and got familiar with the basics of Dreamweaver (with which I made this gem), but never had the time or need to take it too seriously.

I’m in my 30’s now and am a mid-career communications professional, so suppose it was time to take another shot at creating a professional web presence that at least shows a baseline of understanding and experience in managing a modern-day website.

And while I do feel conflicted about taking the easy path by borrowing from open-source WordPress templates, I suppose it’s the only feasible option for someone not willing or able to spend a year re-learning all the latest code and concepts for today’s websites.

When I was growing up, web design was about as complicated as assembling a paper airplane. Today, in comparison, it’s more like assembling a stealth bomber. So I’ll leave it to the experts, and focus more on content. So stay tuned.