You have been put into a position where you can essentially destroy the community that has built up around you and other designers, or you can help to mold it into a community where there are no longer the long debates about what is and what isn’t standards based design. Just the fact that you have shared your knowledge by your publications and your blog shows that you have a strong idea of what is wanted by the community and what you want for the community.

Another aspect of the fame that you have acheived is that not only do you have a localized influence but your clout carries over into other realms as well. People are more likely to listen to what you have to say about things like politics or as far off the wall as what brand baby food is better.

Just remember what Ben Parker told Peter in Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

But seriously, it was about time you were showcased in a site like Apple’s. As long as you keep your feet in the ground, everything should be alright. And keep it up!

I was first introduced to you via the css discuss list many years ago, since then I don’t think I have once seen you miss-use, abuse or otherwise disregard the people who have come to you for help or otherwise. This is a rare trait indeed.
In short, It’s well deserved credit !

It is an interesting thing that people seem to forget that famous people are still human and arn’t the be all, end all of their given field.

Anyway, keep up the good work :)

Warren’s answer was simple: the voice you have is to be used for the benefit of those who have no voice.

I think this is where Mak was heading with his comment, above.

Warren was also quick to point out that the danger of having fame and influence is that you may begin to believe your own press clippings. However, in his case, he doesn’t have the blogosphere to ride herd on any such proclivity!

If you became famous because you were a “beautiful person” actor, you can be a role model for other actors and aspiring beautiful people. The risk is that you incite a wave of eating disorders or plastic surgery among those who don’t possess the same assets.

If you became famous because you’re a spectacular athlete, you can be a role model for others to work out, build skills and climb the leagues to the top. The risk is that, if you act like a boor, others will look at that as an excuse for boorish behavior even if they haven’t earned the same star power.

And if you became famous because you’re smart, talented and skilled in a mental discipline (such as an art, a craft or a science … and interactive work is a bit of all three), you can be a role model for others to experiment, elevate their own abilities and collaborate. The risk is that you could choose not to share what you know, or to do so in a condescending fashion.

That doesn’t seem very likely with you, though, so I’d say just be yourself, try to enjoy the perks of categorical fame and try to shed the pitfalls — I hear the CSS paparazzi are brutal!

Now, granted, there’s a quick path to bullydom there (and if I can tell one thing from your writing, you’re anything but a jerk) so obviously choose your battles very wisely. But, like I said, in your position, you have some ability to influence the shape of the subject as well as teach it.