Alistair Shepherd
@alistairshepherd.uk
Frontend developer, accessibility advocate and development lead at Series Eight.
Work: Front end development, CSS, accessibility, web performance
Personal: Mountains, snowsports, hillwalking, craft, music
Edinburgh, Scotland 🏳️🌈🏴
Work: Front end development, CSS, accessibility, web performance
Personal: Mountains, snowsports, hillwalking, craft, music
Edinburgh, Scotland 🏳️🌈🏴
Pinned
Alistair Shepherd
@alistairshepherd.uk
· Apr 18
In less than a week I'm speaking at City JS conf with my talk "Bill and Ted's Accessibility Adventure"!
I'm sp excited for it! It's the debut of a new talk I am so pleased with and a great line-up.
Next Friday in London, 30% off tickets: ti.to/cityjsconf-l...
#webdev #conference #accessibility
I'm sp excited for it! It's the debut of a new talk I am so pleased with and a great line-up.
Next Friday in London, 30% off tickets: ti.to/cityjsconf-l...
#webdev #conference #accessibility
Another absolute stunner from Alex! 🔥
Even during my post-React rehab I'm happily learning about JS news thanks to hiding it in banging jokes
Even during my post-React rehab I'm happily learning about JS news thanks to hiding it in banging jokes
It's week 2 of The Callback and I've only managed to make it weirder.
Check it out to learn:
- The three scariest acronyms in Web Dev
- How we're finally going to get people to practice accessibility
- How to be maximally bathroom efficient
youtu.be/GYUVIe8xCr4
Check it out to learn:
- The three scariest acronyms in Web Dev
- How we're finally going to get people to practice accessibility
- How to be maximally bathroom efficient
youtu.be/GYUVIe8xCr4
Did they fix Next.js?
YouTube video by Prismic
youtu.be
October 24, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Another absolute stunner from Alex! 🔥
Even during my post-React rehab I'm happily learning about JS news thanks to hiding it in banging jokes
Even during my post-React rehab I'm happily learning about JS news thanks to hiding it in banging jokes
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
there are basically only two positions in the debate about AI.
1. i do not use it to generate things that strip the humanity out of anything that could bring joy
2. i use it. i am a big fuckin baby living in fear of epiphany and I suck at everything i am a huge baby and i am a sad little baby man
1. i do not use it to generate things that strip the humanity out of anything that could bring joy
2. i use it. i am a big fuckin baby living in fear of epiphany and I suck at everything i am a huge baby and i am a sad little baby man
There are basically only two positions in the debate about AI.
1. I’ve barely invested any time in learning how to use it effectively. AI sucks.
2. I’ve invested in learning how to use this tool. Holy cow, it’s transformational.
Position #1 has lower barriers to entry.
1. I’ve barely invested any time in learning how to use it effectively. AI sucks.
2. I’ve invested in learning how to use this tool. Holy cow, it’s transformational.
Position #1 has lower barriers to entry.
October 17, 2025 at 11:04 AM
there are basically only two positions in the debate about AI.
1. i do not use it to generate things that strip the humanity out of anything that could bring joy
2. i use it. i am a big fuckin baby living in fear of epiphany and I suck at everything i am a huge baby and i am a sad little baby man
1. i do not use it to generate things that strip the humanity out of anything that could bring joy
2. i use it. i am a big fuckin baby living in fear of epiphany and I suck at everything i am a huge baby and i am a sad little baby man
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
This is the most personal project I’ve made in years.
I launched a new show called The Callback. It’s weekly web dev news with my dumb humor sprinkled on top.
If this pilot does well I get to make more, so watching, liking, and sharing would be DEEPLY appreciated 💜
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMOD...
I launched a new show called The Callback. It’s weekly web dev news with my dumb humor sprinkled on top.
If this pilot does well I get to make more, so watching, liking, and sharing would be DEEPLY appreciated 💜
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMOD...
Remix needs to fix this…
YouTube video by Prismic
www.youtube.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
This is the most personal project I’ve made in years.
I launched a new show called The Callback. It’s weekly web dev news with my dumb humor sprinkled on top.
If this pilot does well I get to make more, so watching, liking, and sharing would be DEEPLY appreciated 💜
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMOD...
I launched a new show called The Callback. It’s weekly web dev news with my dumb humor sprinkled on top.
If this pilot does well I get to make more, so watching, liking, and sharing would be DEEPLY appreciated 💜
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMOD...
It's been a great — and by great I mean fucking appalling — day for clients taking SEO advice from AI and trying to implement all sorts of crap with no critical thinking 🥴
(examples in reply)
(examples in reply)
October 17, 2025 at 9:34 AM
It's been a great — and by great I mean fucking appalling — day for clients taking SEO advice from AI and trying to implement all sorts of crap with no critical thinking 🥴
(examples in reply)
(examples in reply)
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
It's here. JavaScript for Everyone is now available to…everyone!
The amount of effort and experience packed into this course is unbelievable and we know you're going to love it.
Get yours for £189, down from £249, for 2 weeks and super-charge your career prospects
piccalilli.link/js4e-launch-...
The amount of effort and experience packed into this course is unbelievable and we know you're going to love it.
Get yours for £189, down from £249, for 2 weeks and super-charge your career prospects
piccalilli.link/js4e-launch-...
JavaScript for Everyone
A high quality, expansive written course that will elevate your JavaScript skills to a level you never thought was achievable.
piccalilli.link
October 14, 2025 at 8:21 AM
It's here. JavaScript for Everyone is now available to…everyone!
The amount of effort and experience packed into this course is unbelievable and we know you're going to love it.
Get yours for £189, down from £249, for 2 weeks and super-charge your career prospects
piccalilli.link/js4e-launch-...
The amount of effort and experience packed into this course is unbelievable and we know you're going to love it.
Get yours for £189, down from £249, for 2 weeks and super-charge your career prospects
piccalilli.link/js4e-launch-...
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
Great words by @matthiasott.com, someone I'm delighted to call a friend
> the Web isn’t just a bunch of servers and websites. The Web is the people building it. The Web is community.
matthiasott.com/notes/the-li...
> the Web isn’t just a bunch of servers and websites. The Web is the people building it. The Web is community.
matthiasott.com/notes/the-li...
The Lifeblood of the Web · Matthias Ott
Matthias Ott is an independent user experience designer and web design engineer from Stuttgart, Germany. He also teaches Interface Prototyping at the Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design.
matthiasott.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Great words by @matthiasott.com, someone I'm delighted to call a friend
> the Web isn’t just a bunch of servers and websites. The Web is the people building it. The Web is community.
matthiasott.com/notes/the-li...
> the Web isn’t just a bunch of servers and websites. The Web is the people building it. The Web is community.
matthiasott.com/notes/the-li...
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
Hey #WDC2025, if you want a talk to watch on the way home, my talk from @heypresents.com was published today!
I make some Daft Punk with a MIDI controller and a web browser.
I make some Daft Punk with a MIDI controller and a web browser.
Not only that, but we managed to interrupt a movie playing in the screen next door with the volume of the demo. It certainly woke us all up before heading off to the social. It sounded incredible! Watch the talk and find out more here:
heypresents.com/talks/around...
heypresents.com/talks/around...
Around the wwworld: Web MIDI, Web AUDIO and what the web does best
So, you don't use the Web Audio and Web MIDI APIs in your day job - does that mean they have nothing important to tell us about the nature of the Web? Think again! Katie Fenn takes us on a tour of the...
heypresents.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Hey #WDC2025, if you want a talk to watch on the way home, my talk from @heypresents.com was published today!
I make some Daft Punk with a MIDI controller and a web browser.
I make some Daft Punk with a MIDI controller and a web browser.
I'm down in Bristol over the next couple of days for Web Dev Conf! Super excited for it and looking forward to seeing all my web pals! ❤️
I'm there from 7–8pm this evening if anyone is also around and wants to grab food/a drink together?
webdevconf.com
@webdevconf.com
#webdevconf
I'm there from 7–8pm this evening if anyone is also around and wants to grab food/a drink together?
webdevconf.com
@webdevconf.com
#webdevconf
WDC2025 - October 10 2025, Watershed, Bristol, UK
WDC is the web conference based in Bristol, taking place in autumn each year. With great speakers and attendees alike.
webdevconf.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:25 AM
I'm down in Bristol over the next couple of days for Web Dev Conf! Super excited for it and looking forward to seeing all my web pals! ❤️
I'm there from 7–8pm this evening if anyone is also around and wants to grab food/a drink together?
webdevconf.com
@webdevconf.com
#webdevconf
I'm there from 7–8pm this evening if anyone is also around and wants to grab food/a drink together?
webdevconf.com
@webdevconf.com
#webdevconf
I too wish ill on JK Rowling, I hope she keeps accidentally stepping on upturned plugs.
And that Bluesky mods pull their heads out their arse.
(would encourage others to do the same)
And that Bluesky mods pull their heads out their arse.
(would encourage others to do the same)
Oh, good…
Nice to see how the “new” Bluesky Moderation is being handled.
Nice to see how the “new” Bluesky Moderation is being handled.
August 17, 2025 at 9:59 AM
I too wish ill on JK Rowling, I hope she keeps accidentally stepping on upturned plugs.
And that Bluesky mods pull their heads out their arse.
(would encourage others to do the same)
And that Bluesky mods pull their heads out their arse.
(would encourage others to do the same)
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
The first reported effects of the bill was the de-listing of LGBTQ+ resources from the Reddit search.
Not only are they trying to stop queer kids from growing up, they’re doing it in the name of our “safety”. The subtext is that trans kids don’t get murdered for being trans if they’re cis.
Not only are they trying to stop queer kids from growing up, they’re doing it in the name of our “safety”. The subtext is that trans kids don’t get murdered for being trans if they’re cis.
It absolutely guts me that one of the "faces" of the UK censorship act is a trans girl who was murdered for who she was.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Brianna Ghey’s mother hits out at potential watering down of Online Safety Bill
Bill could reportedly be softened as part of US-UK trade deal
www.independent.co.uk
July 26, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The first reported effects of the bill was the de-listing of LGBTQ+ resources from the Reddit search.
Not only are they trying to stop queer kids from growing up, they’re doing it in the name of our “safety”. The subtext is that trans kids don’t get murdered for being trans if they’re cis.
Not only are they trying to stop queer kids from growing up, they’re doing it in the name of our “safety”. The subtext is that trans kids don’t get murdered for being trans if they’re cis.
For anyone in the Edinburgh area next Tuesday I'll be at the Edinburgh IndieWeb meetup: events.indieweb.org/2025/07/home...
We meet the last Tuesday each month, and discuss the web, personal sites, blogging and tech in general.
It may just be me as we've got a few absences this month, come chat!
We meet the last Tuesday each month, and discuss the web, personal sites, blogging and tech in general.
It may just be me as we've got a few absences this month, come chat!
Homebrew Website Club Edinburgh
events.indieweb.org
July 25, 2025 at 2:43 PM
For anyone in the Edinburgh area next Tuesday I'll be at the Edinburgh IndieWeb meetup: events.indieweb.org/2025/07/home...
We meet the last Tuesday each month, and discuss the web, personal sites, blogging and tech in general.
It may just be me as we've got a few absences this month, come chat!
We meet the last Tuesday each month, and discuss the web, personal sites, blogging and tech in general.
It may just be me as we've got a few absences this month, come chat!
New blog post! 🚀
A few months ago a media org demanded a license fee for an open graph image I linked. I paid the fee because I was worried, but it raises serious questions about open graph usage on the web!
This goes through how it went and my thoughts.
alistairshepherd.uk/writing/open...
A few months ago a media org demanded a license fee for an open graph image I linked. I paid the fee because I was worried, but it raises serious questions about open graph usage on the web!
This goes through how it went and my thoughts.
alistairshepherd.uk/writing/open...
I displayed an open graph image and had to pay how much?! - Alistair Shepherd
A media company demanded a license fee for an Open Graph image used on my twitter archive. I gave in and paid it, but what does that mean for open graph images and copyright?
alistairshepherd.uk
July 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
New blog post! 🚀
A few months ago a media org demanded a license fee for an open graph image I linked. I paid the fee because I was worried, but it raises serious questions about open graph usage on the web!
This goes through how it went and my thoughts.
alistairshepherd.uk/writing/open...
A few months ago a media org demanded a license fee for an open graph image I linked. I paid the fee because I was worried, but it raises serious questions about open graph usage on the web!
This goes through how it went and my thoughts.
alistairshepherd.uk/writing/open...
I've just seen a couple mentions of my most recent blog post about ntfy!
The list of "Blog and Forum posts" on the ntfy documentation: docs.ntfy.sh/integrations...
Some kind words and great additional thoughts: hamatti.org/posts/notifi...
The list of "Blog and Forum posts" on the ntfy documentation: docs.ntfy.sh/integrations...
Some kind words and great additional thoughts: hamatti.org/posts/notifi...
Integrations + projects - ntfy
Send push notifications to your phone via PUT/POST
docs.ntfy.sh
July 16, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I've just seen a couple mentions of my most recent blog post about ntfy!
The list of "Blog and Forum posts" on the ntfy documentation: docs.ntfy.sh/integrations...
Some kind words and great additional thoughts: hamatti.org/posts/notifi...
The list of "Blog and Forum posts" on the ntfy documentation: docs.ntfy.sh/integrations...
Some kind words and great additional thoughts: hamatti.org/posts/notifi...
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
I have been back and forth over the span of 5 years about whether to publish this article.
All opinions and experiences in this post are my own, or from people I personally know, backed up with recent reports and statistics.
All opinions and experiences in this post are my own, or from people I personally know, backed up with recent reports and statistics.
Why Women in Tech isn't enough
Women in Tech spaces help, but fall short in the long run. Real progress needs systemic change and active involvement from men in positions of power.
whitep4nth3r.com
July 16, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I have been back and forth over the span of 5 years about whether to publish this article.
All opinions and experiences in this post are my own, or from people I personally know, backed up with recent reports and statistics.
All opinions and experiences in this post are my own, or from people I personally know, backed up with recent reports and statistics.
The latest 'official' Shopify theme (Horizon) is such a mess.
I've found loads of obvious bugs I've had to patch, and jesus christ the accessibility...
yeah just an intentionally empty link here positioned absolutely on top of content.
Awful in the year of our lord EAA, Shopify publishes this shit.
I've found loads of obvious bugs I've had to patch, and jesus christ the accessibility...
yeah just an intentionally empty link here positioned absolutely on top of content.
Awful in the year of our lord EAA, Shopify publishes this shit.
July 1, 2025 at 9:11 PM
The latest 'official' Shopify theme (Horizon) is such a mess.
I've found loads of obvious bugs I've had to patch, and jesus christ the accessibility...
yeah just an intentionally empty link here positioned absolutely on top of content.
Awful in the year of our lord EAA, Shopify publishes this shit.
I've found loads of obvious bugs I've had to patch, and jesus christ the accessibility...
yeah just an intentionally empty link here positioned absolutely on top of content.
Awful in the year of our lord EAA, Shopify publishes this shit.
Summer time means homemade strawberry daiquiri time!
June 29, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Summer time means homemade strawberry daiquiri time!
New entry on my top games list — Lake, going in at #24!
Lake is a delightful game about delivering the post in a gorgeous lakeside town, exploring, meeting people and shaping relationships.
This is my kind of game, chill, pretty and deep!
infinitebacklog.net/games/lake
Lake is a delightful game about delivering the post in a gorgeous lakeside town, exploring, meeting people and shaping relationships.
This is my kind of game, chill, pretty and deep!
infinitebacklog.net/games/lake
Infinite Backlog | A Video Game Collection Tracker
infinitebacklog.net
June 13, 2025 at 10:59 AM
New entry on my top games list — Lake, going in at #24!
Lake is a delightful game about delivering the post in a gorgeous lakeside town, exploring, meeting people and shaping relationships.
This is my kind of game, chill, pretty and deep!
infinitebacklog.net/games/lake
Lake is a delightful game about delivering the post in a gorgeous lakeside town, exploring, meeting people and shaping relationships.
This is my kind of game, chill, pretty and deep!
infinitebacklog.net/games/lake
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
A female Western Gull was recorded riding 150km in a garbage truck from San Francisco to a compost facility in Central CA, probably to forage. TWICE. An innovator, an icon, a genius.
This is one of my favorite @waterbirdsociety.bsky.social papers I've ever handled as managing editor #ornithology
This is one of my favorite @waterbirdsociety.bsky.social papers I've ever handled as managing editor #ornithology
June 3, 2025 at 8:24 AM
A female Western Gull was recorded riding 150km in a garbage truck from San Francisco to a compost facility in Central CA, probably to forage. TWICE. An innovator, an icon, a genius.
This is one of my favorite @waterbirdsociety.bsky.social papers I've ever handled as managing editor #ornithology
This is one of my favorite @waterbirdsociety.bsky.social papers I've ever handled as managing editor #ornithology
Pet peeve — people who explicitly ask for help or advice online and don't at all recognise anyone who responds.
Even a 👍 ❤️ ⭐ is better than nothing but so many people just don't.
(obviously unsolicited/reply-guy behaviour is different, I'm talking "Hey, any suggestions for x?" here)
Even a 👍 ❤️ ⭐ is better than nothing but so many people just don't.
(obviously unsolicited/reply-guy behaviour is different, I'm talking "Hey, any suggestions for x?" here)
June 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Pet peeve — people who explicitly ask for help or advice online and don't at all recognise anyone who responds.
Even a 👍 ❤️ ⭐ is better than nothing but so many people just don't.
(obviously unsolicited/reply-guy behaviour is different, I'm talking "Hey, any suggestions for x?" here)
Even a 👍 ❤️ ⭐ is better than nothing but so many people just don't.
(obviously unsolicited/reply-guy behaviour is different, I'm talking "Hey, any suggestions for x?" here)
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
Dusted off the blog for the first time in over a year to write something!
dominickjay.com/writing/@sco...
dominickjay.com/writing/@sco...
@scope
Dominick Jay is an experienced creative Front-End Developer from Plymouth, UK, that specializes in fun, creative solutions.
dominickjay.com
May 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Dusted off the blog for the first time in over a year to write something!
dominickjay.com/writing/@sco...
dominickjay.com/writing/@sco...
Fun website mapping what counties in the UK you've been to! Took a bit to try and remember various places I stayed 20 years ago 😅
smstone0.github.io#/uk-map
smstone0.github.io#/uk-map
May 30, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Fun website mapping what counties in the UK you've been to! Took a bit to try and remember various places I stayed 20 years ago 😅
smstone0.github.io#/uk-map
smstone0.github.io#/uk-map
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
@alistairshepherd.uk website has one of the most creative theme switchers I've ever seen. Combined with a fantastic hero illustration that moves as you scroll, it looks truly impressive.
May 27, 2025 at 8:01 AM
@alistairshepherd.uk website has one of the most creative theme switchers I've ever seen. Combined with a fantastic hero illustration that moves as you scroll, it looks truly impressive.
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
I’ve noticed “environmental damage aside” and even “AI being bad environmentally is a myth” chat too.
It don’t work like that, pal. That isn’t a pass.
Let’s take the next slab of ethical bullshit too: all the plagiarism and exploitation.
What’s your excuse for that? How are you ignoring that?
It don’t work like that, pal. That isn’t a pass.
Let’s take the next slab of ethical bullshit too: all the plagiarism and exploitation.
What’s your excuse for that? How are you ignoring that?
I’m officially done with takes on AI beginning “Ethical concerns aside…”.
No! Stop right there.
Ethical concerns front and center. First thing. Let’s get this out of the way and then see if thre is anything left worth talking about.
1/2
No! Stop right there.
Ethical concerns front and center. First thing. Let’s get this out of the way and then see if thre is anything left worth talking about.
1/2
May 25, 2025 at 8:15 AM
I’ve noticed “environmental damage aside” and even “AI being bad environmentally is a myth” chat too.
It don’t work like that, pal. That isn’t a pass.
Let’s take the next slab of ethical bullshit too: all the plagiarism and exploitation.
What’s your excuse for that? How are you ignoring that?
It don’t work like that, pal. That isn’t a pass.
Let’s take the next slab of ethical bullshit too: all the plagiarism and exploitation.
What’s your excuse for that? How are you ignoring that?
My copy of the Internet Phone Book arrived and it is DELIGHTFUL!
I can't wait to go through and find some cool websites!
Here I am under "Play", 📞 81!
internetphonebook.net
I can't wait to go through and find some cool websites!
Here I am under "Play", 📞 81!
internetphonebook.net
May 21, 2025 at 7:54 PM
My copy of the Internet Phone Book arrived and it is DELIGHTFUL!
I can't wait to go through and find some cool websites!
Here I am under "Play", 📞 81!
internetphonebook.net
I can't wait to go through and find some cool websites!
Here I am under "Play", 📞 81!
internetphonebook.net
Reposted by Alistair Shepherd
i’ve seen a lot of calls for aid from palestinians on bluesky lately, and i gotta feel like The Right Thing To Do is just help, without condition, nor hand-wringing doubt.
well, but what if i'm wrong about that?
henry.codes/writing/well...
well, but what if i'm wrong about that?
henry.codes/writing/well...
Well, what if I'm wrong? | Henry From Online
The personal site & portfolio of creative web developer Henry from Online
henry.codes
May 19, 2025 at 4:39 PM
i’ve seen a lot of calls for aid from palestinians on bluesky lately, and i gotta feel like The Right Thing To Do is just help, without condition, nor hand-wringing doubt.
well, but what if i'm wrong about that?
henry.codes/writing/well...
well, but what if i'm wrong about that?
henry.codes/writing/well...