great list. And where I am up to the mark with the points you make I can agree that the learning has benefited me. We can't all do all things, and I find it important to know that options simply exist, so that I can find out more about them, when I need to...and then I ask WA or search here on in Google..

Good job, Good list. Andy

A good neat, to the point list here Xue.

A year ago I made a determined effort to learn HTML5 & CSS3. I read an industry suggested (~600pg) text, read articles & video training etc. I still found it slow going (as you would know, PHP & Javascript etc are more difficult than markup language to learn).

I can plod along with it, though have found a good design framework that does not need markup knowledge (though you can still use it to build if you like).

The one thing I would like to add here Xue, is, that although I think you are right in getting a surface level knowledge on the areas mentioned - It will be nearly impossible to have a professionally deep level of understanding of all of them. I do understand that you are not saying you need to do this. I am mealy noting it for other new people to IM who you just scared the daylight out of :)

It may be worth mentioning, that with a basic understanding of these areas achieved & as your business moves forward - It is fair to say that outsourcing will take care of the areas you are not as competent. This however is no excuse not to be somewhat knowledgeable of the areas mentioned.

Thank you for a good posting.

Thanks for sharing this!

Are you saying it is essential to know HTML and CSS?