Jan 09

Are you a lurker? If you are it’s De-Lurking time

2006 at 02.55 am posted by Veerle

The regular readers that have been around for a while may remember last year’s De-Lurking day. That’s something that got started by Sheryl from Papernapkin. So what’s a lurker? Well that’s probably you ;-)

The term is used for people that read blogs or join chat rooms or newsgroups and don’t participate in commenting. Is it something that can be cured? YES of course and today is your lucky day/week because it’s De-Lurking week. Last year was a great success and 128 people left a comment for the first time and felt so much better afterwards. My journal has grown since then so I think we can beat last year’s results. You know what they say: admitting is the first step is the healing process.

Don't be shy and hit that keyboard NOW!

So if you lurk here occasionally pull all your courage together and say hi and tell me who you are and what you do for a living. That way I get an idea who reads my stuff here and I’ll get a clue if my direction is still cool. You can leave an idea for a future post if you want too :-) So don’t be shy and hit that keyboard NOW!

To encourage lurkers I’ll be rewarding 3 people with a iTunes Gift Certificate if you are from Belgium (because it only works in the country purchased) and for other countries (the 55 countries that Paypal is available) I’ll send the amount for an album through Paypal.


370served

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permalink this comment Peter De Bouvere Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.13 am

*currently lurking from the bushes


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permalink this comment David Horn Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.17 am

I enjoy lurking here - it’s always a great read.  This isn’t my first comment (so, please, rule me out of the competition), but it’s my first in the last 12 months, I’m sure!

Thanks for the blog - it’s always an interesting read.

I’m a web designer, lurking in Northern Ireland - having spent 6 of the last 8 years lurking in NYC and San Francisco.

Happy De-Lurking Day!

David


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permalink this comment JD Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.19 am

It’s not that I am shy but generally I don’t have anything to add to your awesome articles.

I have been reading your blog for over a year now and I find it highly informative. Thanks for taking all the time to write so many useful posts.

BTW, My name is JD, I am currently residing in New Jersey, USA. I do ‘programming’ for a living. Even though I am a programmer, I have a lot of interest in design (especially web-design) and that’s why I read your blog! :)

JD


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permalink this comment Hugo Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.20 am

Hi Veerle, I’m from Portugal but I’ve never commented any of you’re posts. I’m a programmer so I’m not in the world of web design. I’m a regular visitor from an half an year ago.

I think you’re doing a great job here and I hope I have contributed for the success of this year’s De-Lurking week.


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permalink this comment Elisabeth Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.21 am

Hi! I’m a graphic designer/illustrator living in Oslo Norway. I really enjoy your blog and find it both inspiring and useful!  :-D


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permalink this comment Nick Harris Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.23 am

See, for me, I always think “I really should get my website up and finished before posting on other peoples"…

but I never do… however, having just made the leap to freelance, I will now be completing my site very very shortly :)


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permalink this comment Häilerli Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.24 am

Hi, I am a lurker from Istanbul, Turkey. I am a university student studying Computer Science Engineering. I have recently added the RSS of the site to my news reader and trying to lurk if I find something that I interested in. Great work, keep it going.

Regards.


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permalink this comment Maaike Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.25 am

Well, I don’t think I’ve ever posted a comment here, so there you go.
I’m a graphic / web designer from The Netherlands. I’m mostly into print, so I don’t generally have anything interesting to contribute here, which is why I’m a happy lurker :-)
I do enjoy your blog though.


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permalink this comment danny_calders Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.33 am

Hi Veerle,

I have been reading your blog ever since the beginning, but have hardly ever left a message *red cheeks of shame*…

I became interested in web standards a couple of years ago but have never had the time to really dig deeper into it due to a busy freelancing job (non-web related).

In October 2005 I finally decided to quit my job and start a shift in career. I’m currently on a full-time webdeveloper (PHP) course and I am truely happy to finally learn all about xhtml, css, php, etc… from the ground up (a big thanks to my tutors!).

Whenever I am making a website I find myself coming back to your blog for tips and tricks, so I value your articles and posts very dearly!

Keep up the good work! I’ll make it a New Year’s resolution to leave a comment more often. Promise!

Danny

BTW: I’m still looking for a 6-week PHP traineeship starting 27/02, I would be very happy if you could recommend a few companies.


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permalink this comment Michel Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.33 am

I’m Michel, in real life I’m working in a bakery in Oudenaarde, Belgium. But on the internet I sometime make some websites. I’m reading your weblog since I saw you linked by Michel Vuijlsteke.

I love your style in design (both interior and webbased ;) ), and your tutorial-posts have become very usefull. Last summer I switched to the macadelic side of life, another shared interest. I have some good memories left in Ibiza too.

Oh yeah, since I visited your flickr-pages, I know for sure you’re the most beautifull girl in my RSS-list.


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permalink this comment McVirusS Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.34 am

I am not sure if I qualify as a lurker because I have posted a few reactions here before. But I am new so I should give it a try ;). I am a Flash-developer from the Netherlands. Currently employed at Zicht nieuwe media ontwerpers - www.zicht.nl And I added your weblog to my RSS reader a few months back and since then I am a regular ;).

Before I started reading this blog I thought there weren’t that many good webcompanies in Belgium. But you and Group94 convinced me there are ;).

Keep up the good work Veerle!


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permalink this comment webber Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.40 am

Hi, semi-lurker from “The verre Limburg”, Belgium. Trying to convince clients of the pro’s of webstandards.
Got a small, growing webdesign/webdev comp.


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permalink this comment Kevin Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.49 am

I’m Kevin and I’m a lurker. I have to agree with what JD said: “It’s not that I am shy but generally I don’t have anything to add to your awesome articles.”

Anyway: I’m from Belgium and I work as a software engineer, but spend part of my free time on webdesign. Thanks for giving Belgium a voice in the blog/design community ;)


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permalink this comment Sergei Muller Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.52 am

Veerle

First time I’ve heard the term and I must admit I’m somewhat guilty of lurking.

I have left one or two comments and love the site for all the learning goodness.

I’m actively lurking from Cape Town, South Africa where I work as a web designer.


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permalink this comment Andy Georges Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 03.52 am

I usually do not post comments on blogs because
a) I’m not very adept at the topic at hand, or
b) somebody else already said what I thought should be said.

But keep up the good work. It’s not because we don’t say anything we don’t enjoy (your) posts.


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permalink this comment SAPO!! Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.06 am

I’m not a lurker! I’m NOT a lurker!!!!
Well, maybe… sometimes…

;)
Ciao!


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permalink this comment niinis Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.10 am

Hi from Sweden - I think I came out of lurking on De-lurk day last year (but fell back in to it afterwards I guess).
I work as a graphic designer and supposedly a web-designer (at least that’s what my boss thinks. jeez, you should know how many times your blog has saved me :D But I’m learning and love it!)

/niina


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permalink this comment Bimal Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.12 am

Hi veerle.

I have to admit I do “lurk” and I understand it’s good for lurkers to comment so that you understand your readers views on the article that you have written. I have made a few comments on your articles. I love your style in web design, illustrations and music :o) I am a web/graphics designer/illustrator from London.

You posts are both informative and enjoyable to read.

Kind Regards

Bimal


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permalink this comment Dieter van Baarle Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.12 am

Hello Veerle,

i’m a fairly new reader of your blog. I’ve discovered it when reading your post with the video of Illustrator. I’m desperately waiting to see how you will add color to your drawing, since that’s what I’m having trouble with…

I’m from Antwerp, Belgium.


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permalink this comment Jordi Gasull Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.20 am

Hi Veerle,

It is Jordi, a Librarian writting from Brussels. I just came across your blog a couple of days ago. From 456 Berea Street I read a note on @media 06 and once there I saw a reference to a trendy Belgian designer’s blog. You can call it a classic example of serendipity.
Congrats for your blog and your content. I’ll check it regularly. I am developing the web version for our library catalogue (I work for the European Commission), and read lots for Zeldman, Meyer etc in the last couple of years. Hope to be able to apply some of this to my daily work. Otherwise, I’ll have to start updating my old website, now that I own a brilliant IMac (too busy the last couple of years babysitting and getting a job)

Take care
Jordi


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permalink this comment Andries Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.28 am

Hi Veerle,
I’m reading your blog for a year now and it’s a bliss in our belgian blog world.
I started as a PM for some large websites and found myself having big discussions about design, standards, free - not free, apple ..
In my current job I can finally focus everything to one company, as I’m their ICT guy right now.

Your blog keeps me sharp on matters of standards, design and offcourse colors! Last week i was watching my walls and thought : how would Veerle paint them?

I hope you keep up the great blog and with some luck I’ll attend your speech @Media 2006!


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permalink this comment simon Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.29 am

Hi,
I’m a web designer from Ireland,
who regularly checks out your blog,
I have learned an awful lot from your posts, and the comments made by other people, lurker is a word with not so nice connotations, but I guess I havent contributed to any of the topics that are discussed here so…
Look forward to learning more here!
all the best,
Simon


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permalink this comment Anthony Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.35 am

I suppose I do lurk here really, you’ve been a permanent fixture on my reader list for months, but I don’t think I ever have posted a comment!

I’m from the Wirral in the UK (opposite Liverpool), I’m a web designer.

Is it me or does this feel like some sort of finky rehab clinic ;o)


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permalink this comment nikki Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.38 am

Hi, I’m Nikki and besides being one of the silent masses I’m an artist currently based in Birmingham, UK.

I gain a lot form your web design tutorials etc, but I like the other stuff that gets thrown in too. Yeah, I’d say your direction is still cool. Good work, keep it up and THANKYOU! 


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permalink this comment Bunker Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.45 am

Hey,

I guess I can consider myself a lurker. I’ve been following your blog for over a year now and you’re in my rss feeds now and it’s one of the first blogs I read when there is a new post.

I’m not a professional in webdesign, just doing it for myself. (http://www.achter.be)

Your site helped to convince me to use webstandards and to get a mac instead of an pc notebook.

I really enjoy reading your blog and hope you will continue for a long time.

I’m from Belgium, Leuven.

Greetz


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permalink this comment davey Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.45 am

Hi Veerle,
Long time reader and general fan of your site, blog, and work (along with 822 other fans getting their doses of veerle.duoh.com through Bloglines.)
If I had anything of any value to input to your beautiful posts via comments I would, but sadly I’m just a science geek looking to make the jump over to web-dev. Just finished uni & now looking to make a career choice; you’re posts have such an allure to them (& web/design) I’m already considering a potential career in web development.

Great site, great work, and general greatness all round!

Happy New (belated) Year!
davey


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permalink this comment joan Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.45 am

Hi Veerle,

I’m a amateur webmaster. I’ve read your blog from 6 months ago. I’d like so much your tutorials on CSS, and Illustrator.

I’m a lurker. I understand your posts but, my level of english don’t permit anything.

Thanks

Joan


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permalink this comment Peter Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.48 am

Hi Veerle

My name is Peter and I live in Wetteren near Gent, Belgium. I came across your blog a year ago and have been reading the RSS feed ever since.

The company I work for now primarily focuses on our major CRM/ERP application for the advertising industry in Belgium, but we’re working on some new stuff in Ruby on Rails, so I had to get up to speed on CSS-driven websites in order to make full use of all the Ajax technologies.

Your blog has been a valuable contributor :-) Keep up the good work!


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permalink this comment Tom Tippelaar Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.57 am

Sorry for lurking your private area (hahahaha Lurkerhumor. Sorry for that...). I will be more in the open in the future.
My name is Chiel (26) and I’m from Amsterdam. I’m a graffic designer and now working in two bussinesses. One of them is online (www.jongehazen.nl). Wich is also the one that doesn’t make money (don’t worry, thats the idea). The other one is making me money.

I’m workiiing on concept, illuistration, and Characterdesign.

Seee ya (or not)…


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permalink this comment Jason Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.58 am

Hi Veerle,

I’m a web developer based in Fiji. Have been lurking here and 70-odd other blogs for over a year now.

...I usually stop short of commenting: because I have nothing to put in the ‘Homepage’ field.

[runs back into bushes]


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permalink this comment Rob Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 04.59 am

Guilty as charged (although the comment form has my details in it so maybe not as guilty as all that). You’re site is one of many on my must read list but I rarely comment as it would feel like something of an intrusion.

Anyway, greetings from sunny Jersey. Keep up the good work


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permalink this comment Bram Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.04 am

Shit, guess I’m busted ;-)

I’m Bram, a Dutch Electrical Engineering student who’s interested in more subjects then only those he has to get grades in.
I’m running my own weblog, but so far that has been more for my own fun then for others. I don’t aim for a particular target group or talk about specific subjects. I guess it’s more a lifelog and linkdump.
Relating to your weblog I’m specifically interested in postings about graphic design, using the Adobe CS and XHTML/CSS. It’s therefore I added your RSS feed to my Bloglines account ;-)


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permalink this comment tobias Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.10 am

hi, yes i lurk too. Iam from Germany and read everything that is interessing to me. like ur website. with great articles and great tuts.

cu Lurk u
t


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permalink this comment lazymouse Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.17 am

I was a lurker once, but now I’m cured, thanks to Veerle and her friends!

Trouble is, now I’m addicted to commenting wherever I go!

Steve


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permalink this comment Rogier Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.35 am

I really enjoy lurking on most blogs, and to be honest, I often start typing a comment, but I never seem to find my writings to be contributing something new to the story or other comments.


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permalink this comment jamie Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.37 am

Hey Veerle,

I have to confess to lurking around your blog for about a year, I think your web design and illustrator posts are extremely useful and are a great pleasure to read.

I normally don’t comment as I feel too much a novice in the presence of all these experts (i’m not really a novice but all these knowledgable people make it seem that way!).

J


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permalink this comment Mickey Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.38 am

Guiltless lurker from South Bend, IN.  Found your blog while searching one day and now have it bookmarked to check frequently.  Note to self: Learn to De-lurk.


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permalink this comment mark wallis Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.39 am

Hi Veerle,

God never thought of myself as a lurker, it makes my browsing sound so creepy. I have been reading your blog and many other web blogs for 3 months or so and never left a comment anywhere , but see’in as its a new year and it’s that time tis my new resolution “No more Lurking !”

Im a working web-designer hailing from dublin,Ireland.


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permalink this comment lorissa Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.47 am

de-lurking. i follow your blog daily - and have been for quite some time.  i’m a south african living in london. photographer and webdesigner. you’ve inspired me on numerous occassions to open up illustrator and have some fun.

(i’ll try and creep out of my lurker’s hole more often)


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permalink this comment Fergus Kelley Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.49 am

Hi, My names Fergus, I’m a high school student from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and I’m a lurker.

I really do enjoy reading your blog, because it’s always nice to learn a tidbit about graphic and web design. And the tutorials for illustrator don’t hurt either.

Anyway, thanks!


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permalink this comment Maura Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 05.59 am

Web developer from Tennessee. Great posts!


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permalink this comment Ianus Keller Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.00 am

Hi, I’m Ianus and the fact that I bought an iMac from you, sort of makes me a delurker, but it is definitely easier to react than to write something from scratch.

As for an idea to write about: I would love to hear your thoughts on Apple Aperture and Adobe Lightroom (beta came out today) from the perspective of a graphic designer.


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permalink this comment Alex James Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.07 am

Hi,

First time commenting. Have your site bookmarked under ‘CSS First Contacts’ but this site offers so much more than just good CSS.

I’m based in Cirencester, which is in the Cotswolds. I’m a jack-of-all-trades type person, but specialise in front-end UI design.

Highest Regards,

Alex


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permalink this comment Pat Allan Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.21 am

I don’t think I’ve commented here before, so consider this my de-lurking (which is a cool idea, by the way).

I’m software developer from Melbourne, Australia - completely untalented with photoshop and such, but I do enjoy reading about the design side of things, to keep myself aware of the other facets of web development.


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permalink this comment Tim Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.22 am

I’ve only commented twice, and I am ashamed that it stayed with those two times :’(


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permalink this comment Andy Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.25 am

Hi Veerle,

I read your blog for more than a year and really enjoy all your comments and thoughts. Since your articles and tutorials are very good I often talk at home about you - I think my girlfriend is a little bit jealous…

Normally I work as a dentist at a university in Germany , take care for some websites and experiment with PHP. Your CSS articles started me to rethink my web projects and am now redesigning them.
By the way: I also enjoy your music hints - we have almost the same taste.

As someone posted before: “It’s not that I am shy but generally I don’t have anything to add to your awesome articles. “

Take care!

Andy


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permalink this comment Kelly Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.28 am

Hello Veerle,

It’s my first comment here, but I have to admit that I have been lurking around here quite some time, so Happy De-Lurking Day!

I’m a 22 year-old Multimedia and Communication Technology (PIH, Kortrijk) student from Belgium and I mostly enjoy reading your articles about webdesign, since I’m planning on directing my future there.
You are always up-to-date with the latest news and have interesting tutorials to share as well, so it’s a place to learn and discover new things.

I run an own weblog myself and hope to improve more in this direction.

Good luck and may 2006 be a wonderful year for you.


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permalink this comment mauro Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.29 am

Hi, I’m Mauro, I’m a web developer from Uruguay (South America) and I’m a lurker too!!
I follow your blog since 2004.
Thank you for give us this opportunity of de-lurking us.
See you then....


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permalink this comment Ryan Short Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.30 am

Hi

I can not remember when I started reading your blog, but it was a while ago. I am a web developer/programmer from Adelaide, Australia. I especially love the video tutorials.

Keep up the excellent work.


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permalink this comment julious Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.36 am

Hi Veerle,

I’m indeed a lurker since I happen to regularly take a look at your great tips for CSS and web development at large. I’ve found your site about six months ago when I was looking for CSS tips and tricks and I found it quite useful, enjoyable and informative at the same time, so I subscribed to the RSS feed ;-).

I am 24, I’m still studying IT in a french university, but I am planned to move to Zurich next month to start working as a developer.

And since I don’t say it enough after reading your posts : thanks to you.


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permalink this comment Fabien Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.38 am

Hi Veerle,

I’m Fabien, I’m a French translator in software localization, in Cambridge UK, but I’m also working in Web site localization, and therefore I’m interested in Web site design.
I’m a semi lurker I guess, if you can call that semi… I’ve been reading for more than two years and probably posted 2 or 3 comments.
I’m not ashamed, it’s simply that I have nothing to add to your interesting articles or tutorials!
That’s what I tell myself: a blog with a nice design and nice colours such as yours can’t possibly have bad contents!

Fabien


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permalink this comment Kev Mears Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.47 am

I think I’ve posted a while ago, but I lurk more often than not. I’ve resolved to delurk this year, because the times that I have participated in the past have been fruitful. The turning point for me was last years @media, when I was suprised by how much a sense of a community there was.

Personally, I often find that someone else says what I was thinking more eloquently than me, and quicker. Maybe I just need to stick with it and get better and thus more confident.

Well done for provoking this Veerle!


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permalink this comment Zzypt Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.50 am

Hi,
I’m no lurker, I comment everytime I have something useful to say, so this is the first :-)
I thought letting you know who reads your site is the least I could do in return for all the help you’ve given; so boring as it may be:
I am a programmer (RPG on an IBM iSeries). I started supporting my companies website, initially doing the back-end programming, but gradually adding front-end skills with the help of sites like this; always trying to drag my colleagues with me in to stadards.
I changed jobs last year, moving back in to pure programming, but kept linking to this site (I am an Apple user too) and also Roger Johansson’s.
Now I am trying to sneak some web work in to my current job, and learning Ruby and Rails for my own entertainment.

Thank you for your time, I will recede in to the shadows until I have something useful to say. Oh and thanks to both you and Roger I have picked up a few good CD’s over time :-)


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permalink this comment Patrick Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.51 am

Yes of course… Je regarde à l’occasion, et je m’instruis. :-)

C’est toujours intéressant de voir qu’il se trouve des gens intéressants de l’autre côté de l’Atlantique.

Bonne continuité dans vos projets.


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permalink this comment Gareth Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.54 am

Hi Veerle

Fraid I’m another one. Love the idea of a de-lurking week - I might have to try that, thought I’m sure I know both the people who read my site.

I’m a web designer/developer based in Newcastle, UK. I actually met you briefly at @media (Andy budd introduced you in the bar as someone to keep an eye on if I remember correctly) and I even have one of your business cards somewhere (probably worth something on ebay I would imagine :-)

Anyway, as for subjects the mix of Apple, design tips and tutorials and the web are fine by me. Keep up the good read.


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permalink this comment Zakky Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.55 am

Hi Veerle,

this is not as well my first comment. I de-lurked when you were asking your readers about weather conversation in their homeland. But soon after that, I re-lurked. :(

I’m a post-grad environmental engineering student in Germany from Indonesia, who has a big interest in design and www in general.

That is the main reason I kept reading your blog. And of course to drool on your illustrations and designs.. :)


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permalink this comment RoT Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.56 am

Hey Veerle :)

I must confess that I’m a lurker here, and now it is time for my first post here :)

First of all - happy de-lurk day to everybody. My name is Valentin Manov and I’m from Bulgaria(I thing the only Bulgarian reading your blog… right?). Well, I’m 18 and this is my last year in high school. I’m thinking of continuing my education in an Art College. At the moment I’m a graphic design freelancer.... the only option for work when you study :P

Now about your blog - I really like lurking here :) It is always usefull to learn some tricks. Favourite categories - graphic design and tutorials :P

That’s all for now. I promise to write from now on.


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permalink this comment Krijn Hoetmer Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 06.57 am

Hi, I lurk around a lot :) Just a Dutch web developer with no graphical/creative skills at all.


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permalink this comment Hans Nilsson Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.01 am

Well then, here’s to de-lurking!

I’m a amateur web developer (more programmer than designer), aiming to be a full-time freelancer soon.

I have read your blog for a year or so, and as many others allready has pointed out, it’s a very inspiring and well written blog.


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permalink this comment Scott Phillips Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.01 am

Hey Veerle. Not sure if I’ve commented here before but have been reading for a year or two now. I’m a web developer at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa (6-hour drive west of Chicago). Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us. Oh, and if that’s a picture of you in the header I’m nominating you for Best Looking Web Designer for 2006. :) Thanks agian!


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permalink this comment Baldo Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.12 am

nothing to say --> nothing to write in comments


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permalink this comment mwebert Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.13 am

Guilty as charged. I read your blog every day. :-)

Keep up the great work.


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permalink this comment Guy Carberry Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.32 am

Hiya! Me too. Met you last summer at @media (on the street outside the bar, day 1). I was pretty nailed at the time. Really enjoy your illustrator tips. Thanks a lot.


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permalink this comment aj Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.33 am

I’m just lurking for work.


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permalink this comment Rob Hunter Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.33 am

I also enjoy the blog on a frequent basis. Please don’t stop anytime soon. :)


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permalink this comment Jan Tore Ynnesdal Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.42 am

I’ve officially been de-lurked.

I sure hope I’ll be able to be in the audience at @media once again, and this time to see you speak ;-)


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permalink this comment Ryan Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.44 am

I’m a PR guy who ends up doing some design work from time to time, sometimes including web, which is what brought me here.  I’ve always enjoyed the blog, especially your tutorials - keep up the good work.

And if you’re interested, I also talk about advertising at http://www.adsthatsuck.ca


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permalink this comment alex kent Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.48 am

hey hey,
yep i remember delurk day last year, i’m pretty sure i remember commenting then, and probably not since…

so

i teach photography and digital imaging to BA(hons) and MA students at the now title ‘University College for the Creative Arts’ (http://www.ucreative.ac.uk)

i’ve been enjoying your for just over a year now. thanks!


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permalink this comment jan Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 07.59 am

Well.. I really like the stuff you write about, I learned so much during the months I’ve been reading this blog now even though I’m not an actual web developer.

I think the reason I’ve not been commenting regularly is the lack of time when reading your posts. I’m listening to your RSS stream and every time you unwrap your web developing skills I take my time understanding what you’re actually writing. And afterwards i’m just too busy experimenting with the new stuff I just learned :)

And, of course, most of your articles seem too perfect to add stuff. And if I actually want to say something there has already been someone posting it…

So keep up your good work - I really enjoy your writing!


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permalink this comment Julian Schrader Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.10 am

My lurking on this website lasted for a long time - I think I left a comment just one or two times in the whole last year (or even a longer term? I don’t know...)

My best wishes to you Veerle, this blog is outstanding - there are great tips and tricks to learn and everytime I just read your post it won’t be a long time until I can use the methods and/or techniques you just presented. 


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permalink this comment sunny autumn Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.14 am

Hi Veerle,
I am a programmer and system administrator from Italy.I am interested especially in your good articles about css and design techniques, so, in my opinion, your direction is still cool :)
Suggestions for future post? Hummm…

I would like to have an opinion of a professional designer about the tal tags of Zope application server.

Posts about how programmer and designer can work together without ruin each other work. Often designer prefer using layout tables, very few designer want to use css sheets or
think about a clean html code so programmers have hard time to add automations to that pages :|

Now you know because I usually don’t leave comments, flames become hot after my posts, and Ho yeah, because of my bad English. :)


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permalink this comment Ryan Britton Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.14 am

Hi, I’m Ryan.  I’ve been reading this for probably about six months now, but this is my first time posting.

I’m a Mac software developer.  I do everything from the initial concept through programming and interface design through the web site marketing it.


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permalink this comment Andrae Palmer Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.15 am

Hi! I’ve been reading the blog for the past 2 weeks. I definitely love this blog and look forward to your postings. I’m an adult film actor.... sorry just kidding. I’m more of like a professional bohemian.


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permalink this comment beth Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.20 am

Confessed, I am a lurker. 


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permalink this comment Alex Leonard Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.24 am

Hey hey. Also, not the first time I have left a comment (so rule me out of the comp!) though I would tend to be on the quiet side.

I am a full-time self employed web designer as of last March or so, when I set up PixelApes with a friend of mine. The first year has been a lot of work so far (with little financial reward) but we’re building a good portfolio and hope that things will continue to improve.

I live in Dublin, Ireland (although hope to move out of the city at some point).

I am also an electronic music producer and have recently launched my first album. The album is available for download from my new website:
[url=http://www.ebauche.net]www.ebauche.net [/url] (although I’m having upload trouble - so please check it from tomorrow!)

Always enjoy reading your posts, and will try to take a bit more time to comment in the future.

Cheers,

A


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permalink this comment Phil Balchin Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.24 am

Ahhh, i didn’t mean to hit that button, how do you stop this thing . . . ESC . . . ESC . . .


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permalink this comment Diane Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.26 am

I guess you can call me a lurker too, though I’ve tried to leave a comment a few times and my browser just sat and churned for forever.

I’m a graphic/web designer in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve been reading here for a couple of years, and I often forward your articles to my colleagues. I’m trying to get them all up to speed on web standards :) You’re in my RSS feeds and I read here every morning. I’ve used a number of your tutorials, great stuff that I’ve filed away. Keep up the great work !

PS - In my CB days the term for those that just sat and listened was ‘Sandbagging’ :)


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permalink this comment MichaelD Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.40 am

I probably can’t be catalogued as a lurker anymore, as I’ve already posted 2 or 3 comments to your articles, but that doesn’t make me a regular poster neither…

I’m a long-time IT-professional from Hamme, Belgium, who just started his own business in webdesign ...better start making some money from all the sites I make for friends, etc… ;-)

Now officially un-lurked…
Yours truly,
Michael.


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permalink this comment Dave K Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.41 am

I’m a Web Developer at a publishing company in New York.  You’ve got a great site.


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permalink this comment Alex Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.45 am

I am a lurker. Well, almost anyway. I very rarely comment at least if if do happens. I guess mr. Oxton knows that (Isn’t able in take hard words or critics it seems).

Anyway, studies gamedevelopment with webdevelopment in my luggage. I wonder if I shouldn’t try go for bachelor in AD instead though. Keep up with the great posts! =)


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permalink this comment Nathan Rutman Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.48 am

I generally lurk, but usually for lack of time.  I have sent you a couple of e-mails though!  :-)

I’m an in-house Corporate Communications Designer from Pittsburgh, PA.  I do everything from web design, to advertising, to marketing copy editing.  What I love about your site is that it isn’t restricted to web design - you bump into other design disciplines every now and again.  It’s refreshing to find that.

Cheers!


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permalink this comment Neil Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.50 am

Hi,

I drop by now and then for the interesting articles, but never felt the need to post a response.

I manage a web team looking after and developing web and cms for the large university here.

Keep up the good work!!! 


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permalink this comment Tom Cryns Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.50 am

Hello, my name is Tom Cryns and I live together with my family in Belgium, Europe. I’m a father of 2 lovely children and a husband to a beautiful wife.

I earn a living as a product manager for OTN @ Siemens, but I’m also very fond of Web Design and all its aspects. Hence, in my spare time you’ll find me behind my PC, coding, styling and of course lurking…


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permalink this comment Marijn Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.53 am

I have your RSS feed in my RSS Reader so I read most of what you post on here. I think I’ve only commented once before though!

Keep up the good work!


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permalink this comment John Labriola Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.55 am

Been lurking here for about two years. I missed last year’s lurk-a-thon. But sure ain’t gonna miss this one. Name’s John, working in NY as a User Interface Designer. Enjoy reading your tips, as well as the personal tid bits. Keep up the great work!


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permalink this comment Paul Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 08.56 am

Hi Veerle,
I’ve been lurking since meeting you at @media 2005. Unfortunately I had partaken in the free beer and thought it would be friendly to practice my dutch which is most limited.

I do front-end coding and design.

What impressed me most about your site was finding your site when searching on google for help with illustrator :-) and you had exactly what I needed to help me.

So thanks and gelukkig nieuw jaar,
Paul

p.s. good luck at @media 2006… i hope i’ll be there.


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permalink this comment Behappy Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.02 am

Okay since my working partner also posted I also feel the urge to post. I’m also a graphic designer and an illustrator addict.

http://www.jongehazen.nl is the best creation ever
a site where we make graphic deisgns for bunnies

keep the site running!!


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permalink this comment Fuelrock Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.03 am

Hiya Veerle,
I’ve commented here a few times before but that doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate de-lurking week.  I enjoy your blog and I’m glad to see that so many others do as well! 

A big thanks from me -
Michael


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permalink this comment Si Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.06 am

Guess I should delurk too. I’ve been reading your blog for some time now, and especially enjoy the tutorials (particularly for html/css). Thanks for such a good site :)

I’m a student digital animator, with a particular interest in web design and standards.


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permalink this comment Amie Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.08 am

Hi Veerle,

I am a lurker for a few years now. I am from Boston, MA USA.

I check your blog just about everyday for new content that you post. You have a very unique way for tips and tricks in this industry. Dosen’t hurt to learn new things that will improve my job performance.

I would love to one day see you write a book about more web/graphic trends. Your CSS tutorials are the best!

Happy New Year!
- Amie


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permalink this comment clark21 Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.21 am

Hi Veerle,

I like to think of myself as a reader rather than lurker, usually tune in daily to see what is new:). 

I am a web designer in boston, massachusetts and have been working freelance for 6 years now. 

I am seriously considering going to either @media2006 or SXSW.  If you had to choice just one event, which one would it be?

Keep up the excellent work, you are an inspiration for many of us,

Thanks, melissa


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permalink this comment Mike Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.28 am

Veerle,
Pretty funny...I didn’t realize I was a “Lurker”.  I didn’t even know there was a name for it. I thought I was just shy.

Well, since I am now out of the “lurking” closet… my name is Mike and I’m a print designer/illustrator/photographer from Rochester, New York. For the past year I’ve been trying to teach myself about web standards. You have a REALLY great site here! Your content is so helpful and easy to read. Thank you!

You have inspired me to enter a 12 step “lurking” program :)


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permalink this comment Josh Teague Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.33 am

Caught me red-handed, Veerle. 

Enjoy your site, tutorials and design insights.  Keep it up.  Happy 2006.


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permalink this comment Greg Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.36 am

My name is Greg and I am a lurker. Wow, step 1 is out of the way.
Well, I am a 23 year old interactive design college student in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I graduated as a graphic designer in 2003, but decided that I wanted to make the move to the web and other interactive products. I love your blog, it is in my rss reader forever. Thanks for helping us lurkers out!
Greg


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permalink this comment Nathan Smith Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.52 am

Hi, I don’t really use iTunes. But, I figured since I was reading this via RSS, I should chime in and introduce myself. I’m Nathan, 26 married from Boise, Idaho and work for MyAlbertsons.com as a Web User Interface Designer. I’m also an MDiv grad student at AsburySeminary.edu.


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permalink this comment acidsmile Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.52 am

I am Maria and I’m a web development officer for a learning centre in the UK.

I visit often for inspiration and help :)

De-lurking just to let you know I appreciate the stuff u do.

TC


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permalink this comment Dane Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 09.56 am

Howdy, howdy, howdy,

I must have missed last year’s lurk-a-thon, as at the time I was moving from one town (Bend, Oregon) to another (Hood River, Oregon).  I currently reside in or around Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I enjoy yelling at the top of my lungs and running my own web design and development company.  Sometimes I head north to stomp around the great shores of Lake Superior.

In the summer I guide wilderness canoeing and backpacking trips with area youth.  I have split open my head while kiteboarding and have broken my leg while snowboarding.  I also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and mountaineering, but thus far I have no epic injuries to speak of while enjoying those pursuits.

Typically I have little to say, but once prodded I refuse to shut up.  These are my most endearing qualities, or so I am told.


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permalink this comment Joris Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.12 am

Hi, I’m a computer science student at the Antwerp University in Belgium. I discovered your blog last year during a website project for school, kept reading ever since :)
My lame excuse for not posting before is lack of time. Which reminds me, I have to get back to work :)


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permalink this comment Justine Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.23 am

Hi Veerle,

Didn’t know that I’m a lurker too, so it’s probably the best time to de-lurking, cause I’ve been reading your blog for about 2 years now.

So - my name is Justine, I’m 20 and I live in Wroclaw, Poland. I’m trying to be web/graphic desiner. But I’m still a beginner is that case. I’m also journalism and political science student at the University of Wroclaw, hoping to turn professional one day. And a Mac-fan, trying to earn money for my first Mac :)

Keep up your great work. Your blog is just brilliant - all the info about graphic/web desing, Apple and Mac world etc. in one place :) AND - you’re a woman giving me hope that women also can be respected in this business ;)

Have a great 2006 with a lot of Mac releases :)


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permalink this comment Ben Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.27 am

Hi Veerle,
I’m 24 and from Germany. I study Media Production (web design, audio & film stuff, etc.) right know and I really enjoy your blog.

Keep on blogging!

Greetings
- Ben, now officially De-lurkerized


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permalink this comment Darek Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.31 am

Hi Veerle,

I never thought I’d leave a comment on your blog but it’s a great occasion to say thanks for your great work - it’s always an interesting read. I really enjoy all your articles and thoughts. Your site (and many others like Mezzoblue, Stopdesign and all the ZenGardens) is on my bookmark list and I check them all frequently. Reason? My own personal website about a great German poet Rainer Maria Rilke - I think even a site about poetry and literature should meet modern Web standards.

Keep up the excellent work.

Greetings from Cracow/Poland
Darek


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permalink this comment nicola dobiecka Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.33 am

Hi Veerle,

I’ve been lurking since @Media 2005, I met you briefly in the pub on the 1st night - hello again!

Your site is great and I come back to check out design stuff all the time!

Nicola

(I also think along the lines of ‘get your own site up 1st’ but I have so much to do in the next 2 months I know it’s not going to happen for a bit!)


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permalink this comment Richard Davies Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.41 am

Hi,

I’m a web developer for the City of Portland, Oregon. I’ve got this weird affection for design, especially web design and like your cool tips and tricks.

BTW, love the de-lurking idea...!


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permalink this comment Monique Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.43 am

Hi,

I’m from Belgium near Mons (Bergen in dutch).
I frequently comment french weblogs but I’m a lurker for english one because my English is very bad :-[

My interests are Web sites of quality, in conformity with the standards and accessible.
I knew your site via this “coup de gueule” of a Belgian webmaster http://blog.pixarea.com/index.php/2006/01/03/16-web-standards-en-belgique and I hope that your article for Inside will shake a little the decision makers and the Belgian professionals of the Web!

Amicalement,
Monique


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permalink this comment Ted Drake Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 10.58 am

Hello
I’m looking forward to attending the @media2006 and hearing your presentation. I’m not much of a lurker, but this is my first comment on your site.


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permalink this comment elan feingold Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 11.11 am

I’ve been lurking for ages. Love your design, and love your articles.


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permalink this comment Deg Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 11.21 am

Hello!  I might pop in for a comment once or twice, but normally I’m snuggled up here in Lurkdom.  Keep up the great blogging!


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permalink this comment Jeffrey Fetting Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 11.33 am

I’ve found your site to be incredibly helpful and inspiring.  Keep up the great work.


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permalink this comment Thierry Beeckmans Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 11.33 am

Hello Veerle

it’s a funny way to say that you’re lurking. I’ll rather think of pouring from a very hot cup of coffee by hearing the word (dutch). I’ve already wanted to participate but I’m still trying to read previous articles.

I’m waiting to see your colouring in AI (the girl), course I would have worked with better layering and I’m curious how you will do it. :)


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permalink this comment stegoe Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 11.37 am

De-Lurking Day, a fine opportunity to say thank you for your for your Blog and the good articles; always a great pleasure to read and often quite instructive.

Greetings from Germany (and cu… probably next De-Lurking Day =)


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permalink this comment Fabio Sirna Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 12.08 pm

Ceci n’est pas un lurker :)

I joke...I read regularly your blog, throught my RSS feed, and I post a comment when I have something to say.
First of all, ‘cause you post about things that I like (design, corporate identity, etc..).
Second because I lived in Belgium 3 years ago, and when I read your post I like imagine what you’re doing in that moment, remembering my moment in that “plats pays”. It’s little “nostalgic”, like the Jacques Brel’s music :’)


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permalink this comment Mark Mon Jan 9, 2006 at 12.28 pm

Greetings from across the pond Veerle,
My name is Mark and I’m a interactive designer focused on Web-based Training development. Great read as usual.
All the best.
-mark