Contrary to popular belief, one doe

Contrary to popular belief, one does not have to be a trained programmer to work online. Of course,
there are plenty of jobs available for people with high-tech computer skills, but the growth of new media has
opened up a wide range of Internet career opportunities requiring only a minimal level of technical expertise.
Probably one of the most well-known online job opportunities is the job of Webmaster. However, it is hard to
define one basic job description for this position. The qualifications and responsibilities depend on what tasks a
particular organization needs a Webmaster to perform.
To specify the job description of a Webmaster, one needs to identify the hardware and software the
website the Webmaster will manage is running on. Different types of hardware and software require different
skill sets to manage them. Another key factor is whether the website will be running internally or externally
(renting shared space on the company servers). Finally, the responsibilities of a webmaster also depend on
whether he or she will be working independently, or whether the firm will provide people to help. All of these
factors need to be considered before one can create an accurate webmaster job description.
Webmaster is one type of Internet career requiring in-depth knowledge of the latest computer
applications. However, there are also online jobs available for which traditional skills remain in high demand.
Content jobs require excellent writing skills and a good sense of the web as a “new media’.
The term “new media” is difficult to define because it compasses a constantly growing set of new
technologies and skills. Specifically, it includes websites, email, internet technology, CD-ROM, DVD,
streaming audio and video, interactive multimedia presentations, e-books, digital music, computer illustration,
video games, virtual reality, and computer artistry.
Additionally, many of today’s Internet careers are becoming paid-by-the-job professions. With many
companies having to downsize in tough economic items, the outsourcing and contracting of freelance workers
online has become common business practice. The Internet provides an infinite pool of buyers from around the
world with whom freelancers can contract their services. An added benefit to such online jobs is that freelancers
are able to work on projects with companies outside their own country.
How much can a person make in these kinds of careers? As with many questions related to today’s
evolving technology, there is no simple answer. There are many companies willing to pay people with Internet
skills salaries well over $70,000 a year. Generally, webmasters start at about $30,000 per year, but salaries can
vary greatly. Freelance writers working online have been known to make between $40,000 to $70,000 a year.