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Vitaly Friedman Interview

Oct 29, 11:02 PM by Marko

Special Guest Star: Vitaly Friendman ( Interview)


Interivew with Vitaly Friedman

Marko:Hello Vitaly! Nice to do this interview with you!:)
Vitaly: Hi, Marko! ;) Well, it’s always nice to find out that someone is actually interested in what I am doing and who I am.

Marko:How are you doing these days?
Vitaly: Quite good. Although it could definitely be better, you know, studying, working, studying, working, working, studying, sleeping… sometimes…

Marko:For our reader’s could you tell something about yourself? (year old and other stuff)
Vitaly: As you can read from my homepage, I am 20 years old, I study mathematics and computer science in the Saarland University, Germany, I used to be a freelancing journalist, now I am a freelancing web-designer and web-developer, and, of course, a student.

Marko:When did you first encounter a keyboard or computer?
Vitaly: Oh, mighty God… Well, it definitely was a looooong time ago. Back in 1993-1995 I used to play Larry, Pre2, Lines and Prince of Persia… I guess I am just not able to answer this question correctly. It was a LONG time ago.

Marko:What is your favorite art work/website!?
Vitaly: I don’t think I have a favourite one. However, I always enjoy visiting beautiful and simple web-sites. One of the most unusual and beautiful web-sites I’ve found recently is Leo Burnett’s portfolio. www.dontclickme.com is an interesting concept, too. I am looking forward to see what it will develop to.

Marko:when you launched Alvit.de/vf are you happy with the result of the site?
Vitaly: The first (of four versions) of www.alvit.de/vf was launched in the beginning of April 2004. Back then, I didn’t even think about creating Web Developer’s Handbook or any projects whatsoever, which would attract hundreds of thousands of people. Till today, over 300.000 users have visited www.alvit.de/vf or other projects on my server. I am definitely happy with the result of the site, for it helped me to gather the knowledge from people I was honored to get to know and their works. Besides, I am able to share my knowledge and my experience with other web-developers the way I wasn’t able before. The time I spent on www.alvit.de/vf was worth it.

Marko:What do you do in your spare time (I do realize that spare time, in this context, is pretty relative)?
Vitaly: Well, to be honest, web-development is now rather a hobby than a work for me. Since I am studying mathematics and computer science, I’d like to focus on programming and software engineering. Besides, I am jogging every Saturday, I am reading a lot, but I am not a lazy-freak-kind-of-person, I do go to the parties sometimes, I like to meet new people, particularly from other parts of the world.

Marko:Do you have a favorite drink? How much of it do you drink?
Vitaly: Emm…. A good question, Marko, really good one. Well, I guess… hmm… pear juice and mineral water. :)

Marko:Would you care to give us a brief overview of what a typical day is like for Vitaly Friedman?
Vitaly: There is no typical day in my life. I try to be spontaneous and enjoy every moment the life is giving to me. Indeed, life is too short. However, I learn a lot, and particularly over the last 4-5 weeks I’ve got so much stuff to do that I am not living for me, but for my future. I guess I should partly change that.

Marko:Who are some of your biggest influences?
Vitaly: I don’t like the idea of having an idol or people who really influenced my life. Well, maybe, Socrates, Plato, Descartes…

Marko: Is your background in coding? What was the progression into web development like? How did that take place and why?
Vitaly: Well, I am developing web-sites since summer 1999, so there wasn’t a real progression into web-development. I just do what I like. And if I enjoy doing it, I definitely enjoy liking it. ;)

Marko:If you where not a designer/programmer what would you be?
Vitaly: A writer. Definitely. Absolutely.

Marko:How do you like our site mcville.net?
Vitaly: The only thing I hate on the page is the counter on the right sidebar. : But in common – simple, nice font, but maybe to much of that font.

Marko:What kind of music do you fancy?
Vitaly: http://www.alvit.de/vf/de/my-musicbox.html. :) All kind of music, actually. It depends on the mood I am having.

Marko:What’s your favorite food?
Vitaly: Emm…. Hungarian Gulasch and fish, all kind of fish.

Marko:Where do you get out on Saturday’s?
Vitaly: Hmm… Atomic Club, maybe ;)

Marko: Do you have a girlfriend?
Vitaly: No, but… http://www.alvit.de/blog/article/i-am-single

Marko:some relaxing question to follow

Marko:Chinese or Thai (food)?
Vitaly: Italian. :)

Marko:Coke or Pepsi?
Vitaly: Coke

Marko:html or xml?
Vitaly: XML!

Marko:Do you watch television? If so, do you have a favorite show?
Vitaly: Oh, there are so many… Pick one: Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-?)
Felicity (1998-2002)
Frasier (1993-2004)
Just Shoot Me (1993-2004)
Seinfeld (1989-2000)
Two Guys and A Girl (1993-2004)

Marko:What would we find in your favorites bookmarks-bar?
Vitaly: A List Apart, Stylegala, Web-Developer’s Handbook and some private stuff.

Marko:What kinda stuff are you doing/eating while writing code!?
Vitaly: Everythin I eat normally.

Marko:Why can’t I find any normal picture on your site? :)
Vitaly: You will. Soon. :)

Marko:What inspires you? This doesn’t have to be design related.
Vitaly: The beauty of nature. You can’t imagine how much inspiration you can get from the simplest things which surround you!

Marko:Thank again for having this interview, cheers m8!
Vitaly: No problem, good luck with you web-project, Marko! ;)
Marko: Thanks very much m8!

  1. — Sent    Nov 13, 06:30 PM    # Hello from Belarus! Sory, my English very bad, but … Please change the background, or type by white color! Виталик, тебе отдельный привет! Если он даст тебе это прочитать!=)
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