My take is that while it might not affect a lot companies and how they do business, I think the most important thing is that like-minded people get the chance to meet and discuss topics they care about with peers.

Then, the outcome of that will change things!

Matthew, Frances,

Don’t worry! On the contrary, I love when my comments turn into interesting and respectful conversations!

As for the thoughts about WUD beeing badly promoted through the blogosphere, a quick technorati search lists at least 497 blogpost linking to the site….

The Usability grouping at my work obviously noticed this a long time ago and arranged a free half day seminar for our clients and co-workers this afternoon. It was widely appreciated and also a nice way to gather our clients to a less sales-driven activity…

Also, as of lately, it seems like I’m just asking you what you think instead of writing a more detailed post

I think that’s great.. keep asking!

Is it me, or is this page’s normal fonts (side column) very bold?

I’m in NYC and I didn’t even hear about NJ making it official. Nor have I seen any red balloons so far.

But I guess the best way to promote this is to get some key players in the industry to write about it.

@Robert - Apologies, too.

I don’t think the UPA honchos “get” blogs yet. Actually, I think they have come a long way since I started working with them in 2001. But you are right, I would have expected to see some more chatter as well. For the record, my question wasn’t at all defensive (text-based communication can be misleading as we all know), I just wanted to get some feedback from someone not named Matthew Oliphant.

I will pass on the feedback. And apologies to Robert for hijacking his post.

With initiatives like this I generally expect to see them on the blogs I subscribe to (I follow many people in the accessibility/usability/standards field) or on the mailing lists I subscribe to (WAI, GAWDS, WSG etc.). You just expect to hear about large initiatives “on the grapevine”, so to speak. I wasn’t expecting a personalised memo, but just to have come across it during my usual web-wanderings!

Having said that - did any of the events make it to upcoming? I rely on that fairly heavily these days for tracking and attending IRL events, as do a large portion of the “regulars” I see and meet at UK geeky web events. Getting things listed on sites like this, either by the organisers or attendees, certainly helps get the word out.

This is only the second year. I suspect, since it is volunteer-driven, that many people will know about it some places and others not so much. Apparently New Jersey is the place to be since its governor proclaimed Nov. 14th World Usability Day in the state.

I don’t go big on these world day events, except for Christmas, which I love

I don’t these such world celebration days very seriously, but it’s always a nice way to focus events and advertising more easily. It definitely can’t do any harm.

However, as Frances mentioned, could have used a bit more advertising.

I don’t know. This is the first I’ve heard of it. Shouldn’t this have been advertised a little more in advance, or was I sleeping?

Most efforts to bring awareness to the masses about usability and accessibility are generally well intentioned though, so I can’t really knock it. Not sure how well guided it is, or has been. I shall poke about on their site a little and see if I can find out.

I’m looking forward to the interaction with usability-focused professionals, as well as meeting with other students to discuss usability and accessibility.