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A cartoon skull with a hotpink hat on.2 min read

An Update On My Involvement In Standards

css

With a heavy heart, I've decided to pause my involvement in standards and speaking (except for CSS Day 2026). The past 6 years have been so rad (a privilege packed learning experience), but I've come to the realization that I need to simplify and focus on things closer to home.

Huge thanks to all the great people I've met along the way, those that have helped me, and those that have inspired me ❤️

TPAC 2025 was incredibly valuable and provided great clarity, as I was head over heels excited to attend and be a part of it (was my first time!); and while I found myself taking copious notes, and still very much interested in the outcomes and impacts, I was much less interested in participating. I wasn't finding the resolutions and conversations energizing like others were.

I was also feeling so much guilt for not being at home helping my family, being away for so long was super difficult. I'm hoping these changes will allow me to be more present and available for my family, offering a more sustainable work week that's better for both my fam and new employer.

My love for CSS & the web existed before my role at Google and involvement in standards, it'll always exist.

I'm certain I'll still be writing when excited. This is a refocus and admission / realization that I need to explore.

I'm super proud of the work I've done and the impact it's had. I could see myself getting back into it again one day (hence the "pause" verbiage), but I need to not fight the gravity that's pulling me away.

Tons of love to y'all; those in the community, those in standards, those reading this. Looking forward to the future. Looking forward to those who will step in and become their own advocates for the web.

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  • Jack Iakovenko
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I'm still an easily excited CSS nerd! I don't think much of my content will change, I just won't be voicing myself in standards work for a bit
Adam ArgyleAdam Argyle
Life of travel can be a hard one so it's good to stop and stay still for a while at times. Family goes first.
Juho VepsäläinenJuho Vepsäläinen
Glad you've found a level of engagement that works for you. Go with the ebb and with the flow.
Mike Samuel ????Mike Samuel ????

@argyleink Put your own mask on first before helping others! Take care of yourself (and your loved ones), friend! ❤️

Zach Leatherman :11ty:Zach Leatherman :11ty:

@argyleink It was very nice seeing you at TPAC! If this pause feels right, then it’s right. I hope to catch you again, maybe at CSS Day ????

Vadim MakeevVadim Makeev
No shame in taking a pause to look after the fam and stuff, as you've had an incredible run at the CSSWG and other groups. Your influence on standards is immense and everlasting, and I — and the rest of us here too I'm sure — appreciate you for all you've done. Take care, my friend!
BramusBramus

@argyleink I've been on a haitus from confs (the demand for a scowl'y Brad Frost is very low) and passively supporting standards where I can... it takes energy for sure. Fewer spinning plates makes a difference.

Dave RupertDave Rupert
Thanks for all your hard work and for inspiring so many of us with your passion for CSS and the Web – and all your positive energy, Adam! ????????????
Matthias OttMatthias Ott
I have learned so much from you Adam over the years, and will undoubtedly learn more. Thank you for your passion.
Kevin KleinKevin Klein