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Alistair Shepherd

@alistairshepherd.uk
1.2K followers 368 following 336 posts

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 🏳️‍🌈🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 03/10/2026
The Dordrecht and Rotterdam combo visit is pretty sick, Dordrecht has beautiful Dutch city vibes and Rotterdam has really cool modern architecture. Would strongly recommend visiting both!
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 03/10/2026
Big thanks to the organisers for hitting it out of the park, the speakers for the excellent talks, venue for a lovely dinner, and to everyone I chatted with! I fucking love events like these. I come away so inspired for web dev as a job and an industry. Go to small community conferences!
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 03/10/2026
@fronteers.bsky.social dark mode was absolutely *excellent* yesterday. It was a fantastic conference with great vibes, talks and wonderful people! I'll be back next year I hope! Also holy shit why did no one tell me how stunning Dordrecht was, wow!
Looking down a canal in Dordrecht, Netherlands. It's stunning, tree lined, old buildings, large gothic church.
What a beautiful city!
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 03/10/2026
Happy Capybara petting!
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Manuel Matuzović @matuzo.at · 02/10/2026
It's your last chance to submit an idea for the #HTMHell Advent Calendar. I'll close the CFP on Sunday morning as soon as my three little devils wake me up.
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 02/10/2026
My local Chinese restaurant with the delightful name "Karen's Unicorn". The food is so oily you can feel your blood getting thicker but damn it's good
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 02/10/2026
It damn is! I think falling asleep is a very real possibility... It looks like I get into Schipol about 30mins ahead (but UK queue) of you if you're getting the train down to Dordrecht and want company?
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 02/10/2026
Journey to Dordrecht, NL for @fronteers.bsky.social dark mode begins! (I think I shall be quite tired this evening lol)
Night shot of a bus stop in north Edinburgh, lit by streetlights, with Newhaven lighthouse and the lights of Fife in the distance. It's a giving "fuck it's early"
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 30/09/2026
Next Wednesday and Thursday I will be in Vienna, generally seeing the sights and hanging out. Anyone I know in or around Vienna who fancies getting a drink while I'm there?
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Andy Bell @bell.bz · 30/09/2026
New on the blog
bell.bz
In response to “The death of web development education”
I read Mat​hia⁠s S​chäf⁠er’s excellent post, titled The death of web development education. I was thinking about how I can contribute to the conversation and really struggled to articulate the problem. The most effective way I can contribute, in my opinion, is a crude sketch I just did of Piccalilli‘s Stripe chart for all time…
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 30/09/2026
See you there!
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Manuel Matuzović @matuzo.at · 28/09/2026
This advent calendar is your chance to share your knowledge with a large audience. You have 5 more days to submit your ideas. First-time authors are welcome!
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Zach Leatherman @zachleat.com · 22/09/2026
“AI, make the website good” www.zachleat.com/web/ai-websi...
zachleat.com
“AI, make the website good”—zachleat.com
A post by Zach Leatherman (zachleat)
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Scott Riley @scott.is · 21/09/2026
i don’t think you get to simultaneously call yourself a leftist and champion ai. i am not the socialism police. i am not lieutenant engels. but i don’t know how you can square away ‘mass theft of labour in the name of further labour exploitation’ as anything other than deeply orthodox capitalism.
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Piccalilli @piccalil.li · 21/09/2026
There's been so much dry content about Temporal so far but Sophie Koonin has written about a nice creative usage here. localghost.dev/blog/time-ba...
localghost.dev
Time-based background colour transitions with Temporal and CSS color-mix - localghost
A visual refresh with a background that changes colour according to the time of day, using the new Temporal API along with CSS custom properties that blend into each other.
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 21/09/2026
I am sad I shall not be there but hope it goes wonderfully
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Viewport @viewportconf.org · 21/09/2026
Hello, World! Tickets are now on sale for Viewport! We are an independent web conference coming to Liverpool on May 14th 2027. For the web, the people who build it, and the people we build it for. Get your tickets at: viewportconf.org
Announcement for Viewport. Hello, World! Tickets on Sale! Early Bird Tickets from £179. For more info search: viewportconf.org
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daniel wraith @danielroe.dev · 19/09/2026
don't be nice.
roe.dev
Don't be nice
Sometimes, it's more important to be good than it is to be nice.
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Niels Leenheer @html5test.com · 18/09/2026
Two weeks from now Fronteers Dark Mode will happen in Dordrecht in The Netherlands. There are still a few tickets left. Be quick ⚠️ Join us for an afternoon and evening of great talks. With a spectacular line up: @anjana.dev, @tunetheweb.com, @cydstumpel.nl, @csswizardry.com and @heydonworks.com
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 18/09/2026
Congrats! 1000 is pretty mega!
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 06/09/2026
I played the absolutely delightful Caravan SandWitch today! It's a wonderful exploration story-puzzler, absolutely my perfect style of game. Beautiful world, characters, theme, story. Really fun mechanics also. Goes in at #26 of my all time favourite games. Strong recommend! caravansandwitch.com
caravansandwitch.com
Caravan SandWitch
Embark on a journey across vast landscapes in Caravan SandWitch, a captivating narrative-driven exploration adventure.
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 05/09/2026
Thanks. Absolutely worth doing, mind that's easy for me to say without having to pay for accommodation!
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Scott Riley @scott.is · 04/09/2026
”it is not fair to suggest that *checks notes* ethnically cleansing the romani is not a valid idea. you cannot think that not supporting *double-checks notes* ethnically cleansing the romani makes you better than people who want to *makes sure i’ve got this right* ethnically cleanse the romani”
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 05/09/2026
Oh I can imagine that! He asked me to stand to play Cecily but chose a different big bearded person thank god!
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 04/09/2026
Because a friend shamed me for posting my Fringe reviews only on social media and not my website, here's a wrap up post! Some tips from my month doing lots of shows (26) at the festivals, and all my reviews. #EdFringe alistairshepherd.uk/writing/edin...
alistairshepherd.uk
Edinburgh Festivals 2026 - Alistair Shepherd
I had a mega year in 2026 at the Edinburgh festivals Fringe and Book! These are my reviews and thoughts on all I saw
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 02/09/2026
If you replace "CMS" with "website builder" then I complete agree and that's a very good comparison. My experience with CMS' that are dev-focused are that it's still hand-painted just the painter is also given the paints. Or some variation thereof haha.
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 02/09/2026
(although fuck Armie Hammer)
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Bruce Lawson @brucel.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Uk people: use this form to ask your MP to attend a Parliamentary event on Digital Sovereignty by @openrightsgroup.org : action.openrightsgroup.org/invite-your-...
action.openrightsgroup.org
Invite your MP to ORG's event on Digital Sovereignty
What’s going on? The UK government relies on risky and costly big foreign companies to provide its digital infrastructure. These companies lock us in to their expensive services. Not only are we getti...
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Jess Rose @jesslynnrose.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Everything is stressful and a lot of you are looking for work, so I found some open remote tech roles where your work would make the world better (or hopefully just not make things worse?) threaded here!
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 02/09/2026
Without saying your age, what is your favorite movie that came out when you were 20 years old?
static.klipy.com
Call Me By Your Name: Elio and Oliver at the Train
Alt: Call Me By Your Name: Elio and Oliver at the Train
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 31/08/2026
</Fringe> Ended up seeing 22 fringe shows, 28 including the other festivals. All with only 2 days off work. 😅😴 It was incredible! I saw some of the best theatre and comedy, met some wonderful people, and learned a lot too. As a Dunediner I do whine about them, but it's well worth doing! #EdFringe
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 31/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #22 Police Cops in Space — ⭐⭐⭐⭐ What the fuck. My god this was mad. Stupid as fuck physical comedy and innuendo, like the other Police Cops but on harder drugs. My god it was funny though. Ridiculously stupid, but funny. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 31/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #21 Ted Hill: PowerPoindexter — ⭐⭐⭐½ Absolute batshit powerpoint-based comedy, that was all over the place but fun. I was designated bullied audience member but enjoyed it. Stand up isn't my thing, but this was better than most. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 31/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #20 The Bob Ross Effect — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Omg this was DELIGHTFUL. A beautiful hour of creativity, Bob Ross appreciation, sharing joy with those around us, and art. This show spoke to me deeper than any other and I love it so much for that #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
Sarah-Louise Young dressed up as Bob Ross recording a painting show in the style of Bob, live on stage. It's amazing how accurate it looks on the overhead screen! A self portrait of me done 'blind' with a crayon. It's kinda charming and cute, although my ears are offset about 3cm to the right
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 31/08/2026
Damn I haven't thought of Chap Hop in a while lol
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 30/08/2026
It was great to meet you too! I hope the Poet at Platform 3a has better luck on the return journey
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 30/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #19 Brian Bilston: How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delightful poetry that balances perfectly between serious & thought-provoking, and very silly & funny. Think you don't like poetry? You just haven't seen Brian yet! #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 30/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #18 Whatever Happened To That Guy? — ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Very fun performance with wonderful acting. There were dozens of different characters all played perfectly by three actors, very impressive. The story was surprising and great fun. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Enhancement System
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Vale @vale.rocks · 29/08/2026
On occasion one must find an outlet to vent their accessibility overlay frustrations. #Accessibility #a11y
Anthony Bourdain quote originally about Henry Kissinger and Cambodia edited to read 'Once you’ve been a web developer, you’ll never stop wanting to beat "accessibility" overlay companies to death with your bare hands.'
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 29/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #17 5 Mistakes That Changed History — ⭐⭐ I like the idea but it was pretty weak history communication, with bad jokes and references rammed in clumsily. Unfortunate as this should be for me but it just wasn't very good imo. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #16 Fleetwood Mac's Rumours With The Transatlantic Ensemble — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ratings are out of 6 now to accommodate for one of the best gigs I have ever seen. FUCK Fleetwood Mac's music is good live and this is a very good tribute! #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
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henry ✷ @strange.website · 27/08/2026
my employer has asked me to stop telling PMs "suffice it to say, it is out of my hands and into god's" when asked for project status updates
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #15 Lost in Translation (Jurassic Park) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ruin a script with repeated translation and perform it live. It's a winning formula and it was excellent. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Enhancement System
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #14 Down to Chance — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic two-person theatre that conveys so many distinct characters and a really beautiful story and makes it seem so easy. This is my second time and it remains my all time fave Fringe show. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life. Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and queer joy, this unique celebration of the people's princess has won multiple awards and sold out venues across the world. A loving celebration of Ar Di that is as hilarious as it is ridiculous. From the creators of Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella.
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #13 Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story — ⭐⭐ Womp womp. I wanted to enjoy this with all the hype but it kinda just sucked. There were fun bits but it was just too much for me to enjoy it. It didn't flow and dragged so much. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #12 Police Cops — ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Really good physical comedy theatre! The acting is excellent, and story silly but compelling. The hour flew by with many laughs! #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #11 Burning Down the Horse — ⭐⭐⭐½ Decent low-budget farsical riff on the story of the Trojan Horse. It was enjoyable, but felt like it was too far away from classical texts for the fans, whilst also requiring that knowledge. #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Description, Captioning
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Edinburgh Fringe review #10 ...Earnest? — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful 'play that goes wrong' style structured improv show, where the audience gradually replaces the cast as they're unable to perform. Very fun and respectful to the audience participating! #EdFringe www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
edfringe.com
Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Description, Captioning
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Alistair Shepherd @alistairshepherd.uk · 27/08/2026
Happy birthday mate! ❤️❤️❤️
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Sara Joy ☠️ @sjoy.lol · 26/08/2026
I think it's the industry/AI hurting us. There was some hope of React slowly falling away from being The Only Thing, accessibility maybe increasing, web hosts seemed to care about green energy credentials and people were considering lowering bundle size and deleting emails to save energy.
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