Research indicates that student control of their personal web space is an important factor that supports meaningful reflective learning within online web publishing contexts. The Penn State personal web space system allows for personal control of this learning space, although basic web publishing skills are required. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which students value web publishing skills and the extent to which these skills persist. Based on survey data, this article reviews the implications regarding the utility of introducing these skills within online learning contexts, such as e-portfolios where meaningful reflective learning is a main objective. This study found clear evidence that learning web publishing skills is valued by students and suggests that e-portfolio system developers should not dismiss the importance of student control in this context. Finally we recommend further exploration of students' perceived value of the skills required to work within these evolving e-portfolio applications. Survey instrument is appended. (Contains 6 figures and 1 table.)