>I am reading a 1,000 page book called "Dreamweaver 3 Bible". It goes
>into only some of the gory details needed to produce web pages; such
>as HTML, XML, CGI, JavaScript, Java, Shockwave, Flash, Fireworks,
>DHTML, and a whole lot more.

I was told that YAHOO always aims for a 3 second load time
on their home page. Slower and people go else ware.

In my work for Circuit Cellar Online magazine I visit a
couple of hundred new websites each month. I can count on
one hand the number of sites that use Java et.al. that have
actually worked (fast and crash free, and added useful
content).

People are seeking knowlage while drowning in a sea of
useless 'flash' of information.

If you want to do a business site, don't over whelm people
with glitz, they know it can be done you don't have to show
them with it, that you can do it too.

Time is money and Fireworks et.al. take time to load, I have
better things to do with my time...

> Thus, by learning one language, and a few simple
>dialects, someone could spend more time concentrating on
>the actual content of the pages.

I agree with you there, as long as 'content' is solid
information.

Don't lose site of your goal, what ever it may be, when
making a web page. Attract customers with cash in hand or
show off your web design talent?

>Civilization is in large part about, and around, what is written.

If Civilization was built the way web pages, and software in
general is today, the first woodpecker would cause the
collapse of civilization as we know it.