In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling speaks with guest Jordan Harband in a deep dive into the world of open source. Jordan shares his journey from a garage startup to becoming a pivotal figure in the open source community. He speaks passionately about the philosophy behind open source, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation through collaboration and building on existing work.

A significant part of the conversation revolves around the inclusivity and accessibility aspects of open source. Jordan underscores the democratizing power of open source, discussing how it provides a platform for diverse individuals to contribute and influence technological advancements.

The discussion also touches on the ethical aspects of software development. Jordan highlights the importance of considering the human impact of technical decisions, stressing the need for ethical considerations in development processes.

Managing multiple open source projects, Jordan sheds light on the challenges like time management, burnout, and work-life balance, sharing personal strategies for coping with these issues. His role in TC39, the committee responsible for JavaScript standards, is also a topic of discussion, providing insights into the complexities and responsibilities associated with shaping the future of web development.

Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the open source world, from the perspective of a key player in the field, shedding light on its challenges, rewards, and ethical considerations.

Community

• Join the community on Slack
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Support the podcast on Patreon
• Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Links

• Jordan Harband on LinkedIn
• Jordan Harband on GitHub
• Jordan Harband on NPM
• TC39
• Ecma
• OpenJS Foundation
• TC39 Proposals
• ES-Shims
• globalThis
• Revolutionising Web Docs: Documentation Engineering, Sustainability, Security - Open Web Docs
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

In this first episode of the new Open Source Project and Maintainer Spotlight series, host Schalk Neethling speaks with Browser Compat Data cor contributor Vinyl Da.i’gyu-Kazotetsu.

Vinyl Da.i’gyu-Kazotetsu, an independent software developer deeply involved in the Browser Compatibility Data (BCD) project. Vinyl shares her journey from learning software development to becoming a key figure in open-source projects. The discussion delves into the intricacies of browser compatibility, highlighting the challenges developers face due to varying browser implementations.

Vinyl explains the differences between BCD and CanIUse, emphasizing BCD’s focus on machine readability and detailed feature support. The integration of BCD in platforms like MDN Web Docs and its importance in web development is a key topic. Vinyl also touches on the dynamic nature of web technologies and how the BCD project adapts, including the potential inclusion or exclusion of different browsers and run times based on community interest and reviewer capacity. 

This insightful conversation provides a deep dive into the world of browser compatibility data, the ongoing efforts to streamline web development, and how you can contribute.

Community

• Join the community on Slack
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Support the podcast on Patreon
• Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Links

• Vinyl on GitHub
• Gooborg Studios
• Buy Vinyl a Coffee or Ten
• Vinyl on the Mycelium Network Podcast
• Support Open Web Docs
• BCD Collector - BCD Collector Issues
• Browser Compat Data
• BCD Good First Issues
• BCD Issues for HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Sovereign Tech Fund invests in Open Web Docs
• JavaScript Iterator Browser Compat Data on MDN Web Docs
• Ruth John on GitHub
• Florian Scholz on GitHub
• Philip Jägenstedt on GitHub
• Reports of Node's death are greatly exaggerated - The Changelog
• Reflecting on Bun's big launch - The Changelog
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

Note: There is some talk of suicide ideation during this episode. Please take care while listening. If you need help, please use the following link to find resources near you. https://resources.byspotify.com/

There is no way to capture the emotional and inspirational story maze that Lars weaves in this episode. What follows is my best attempt, but do yourself a favor and pull up a code editor, a quiet moment, a cup of coffee, or all three and listen to this far-reaching episode filled with beautiful and raw storytelling.

K Lars Lohn's journey in the tech world began in his childhood, heavily influenced by his innate curious nature, Tandy Town, United Manufacturing, and Radio Shack. During this wide-ranging and inspirational conversation filled with beautiful storytelling, Lars delves into the profound impact of early experiences on his career trajectory, recounting his transition from using proprietary software to embracing open-source platforms, spurred by a licensing dispute with Microsoft. This shift highlights the adaptability and resilience that have marked his varied career, from software development to rose farming and art.

The episode also touches on Lars' challenges within the corporate tech world, particularly in dealing with rigid corporate structures and difficult employers. A fascinating aspect of his story is the integration of his artistic pursuits, namely music and art, with his professional life in technology. This blend underlines the importance of creative outlets and how they can enrich one’s work in tech.

Lars strongly advocates for diversity, not just in terms of race or gender, but crucially in thought and experience within the tech industry. He argues for the value of different perspectives in problem-solving and innovation. This episode offers an inspiring and multifaceted view of a life in technology, underscored by hardship, resilience, creativity, and storytelling.

Community

• Join the community on Slack
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Support the podcast on Patreon
• Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Links

• K Lars Lohn on LinkedIn
• Losing my first programming job
• The Grand Old Lady
• The Burlington Northern Ski Lift
• A Call for Source Code CSS
• Waltzing and Programming are the Same Thing
• My Grudge with the Redmond Racketeer
• The Abandoned Rose Garden
• A Road Not Ridden
• My Coming Out Story
• Lars' Maze Art
• Support Lars on Patreon
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

Videos

• Pycon 2016 closing keynote
• Well-Tempered API
• Maze Art Video
• Childish Intuition

Schalk Neethling, the host of the Mycelium Network podcast, engaged in an inspiring conversation with guest Aashni Shah. Aashni, with her roots in Kenya, has carved a remarkable path in the tech world, starting from her educational journey in Canada to her roles in companies like Microsoft and Square, and her dive into entrepreneurship.

A significant part of the discussion revolved around HypeDocs, Aashni's innovative platform designed to enable individuals and employees in companies to document and celebrate their professional achievements. This platform, pivoted to a B2B model, addresses the crucial need for self-promotion and recognition in the workplace, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the tech industry.

Aashni also shared her experiences with workplace diversity challenges, providing insights into the impact of management and cultural dynamics in professional settings. These experiences have shaped her advocacy for a more inclusive and supportive tech environment.

In the realm of philanthropy, Aashni's contributions through Elixir Labs and A Billion Dreams stand out. These initiatives leverage technology and data for social good, with Elixir Labs focusing on technological solutions for non-profits and A Billion Dreams aiming to advance biomedical research in space. Her efforts epitomize the fusion of technology with humanitarian goals.

The podcast offered not just a glimpse into Aashni's inspiring journey but also underscored the broader themes of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of technology for societal betterment.

Community

• Join the community on Slack
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Support the podcast on Patreon

Links

• Aashni Shah on LinkedIn
• HypeDocs
• A Billion Dreams
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter, along with guest Kevin Ball (KBall), discuss the often-overlooked emotional and interpersonal aspects of working in technology. They highlight the unique challenges faced by those in tech, especially programmers, in terms of mental health and the often intense pressures when building a startup. The conversation brings to light the critical importance of soft skills and the role of open source as a valuable learning and networking platform. The hosts and guest emphasize the need for authenticity in networking within the tech community and underscore the significance of emotional resilience in both learning and professional growth.

Some of the main takeaways:

• Emotional Aspect of Learning to Code: The emotional side of learning to code, particularly how beginners often lose motivation or confidence, is highlighted. The importance of teaching in a way that maintains engagement and builds confidence is emphasized.
• Open Source as a Learning Platform: Open source is discussed as an underutilized tool for learning coding and developing interpersonal skills. It offers an opportunity for beginners to engage with real-world projects and communities.
• Networking in Tech: The significance of networking in the tech industry is underlined, with a focus on sincerity and building genuine connections rather than opportunistic networking.

Take care of yourself while listening.
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need. https://resources.byspotify.com/

Links

• KBall on LinkedIn
• The Human Skills podcast
• JSParty
• Sarah Drasner on the Human Skills podcast
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Join the community on Slack
• Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling speaks with guests Florian Scholz, Jory Burson, and Will Bamberg from Open Web Docs. They start the conversation by talking about web documentation and the vital role of open-source projects such as MDN Web Docs, unveiling how documentation roles have evolved. From being traditional information providers to now encompassing Documentation Engineering, or Documentation as Code. This approach ensures that developers have access to comprehensive, understandable, and user-friendly resources.

A significant part of their discussion revolves around the challenges and strategies in funding and sustaining open-source initiatives. The guests highlight the critical role of sustainable financial models, drawing attention to contributions from various sources including the Sovereign Tech Fund and the platform provided by Open Collective. The Sovereign Tech Fund exemplifies the kind of diverse support needed for these initiatives, blending individual, governmental, and corporate contributions. Alongside funding, the episode delves into making open-source contributions more accessible, by reducing barriers through education, creating welcoming and supportive environments, and avoiding gatekeeping.

The conversation also delved into 'Securing the Web Forward,' a theme arising from TPAC discussions and a W3C workshop. This segment underscores the importance of enhanced security documentation for the web platform and the need for education to ensure developers know that security, like accessibility, is each developer's responsibility.

Looking to the future, the podcast envisions a landscape where accurate, accessible documentation is seamlessly integrated with developer tools and platforms, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving domain of web development.

Links

• Open Web Docs
• Jory Burson on LinkedIn
• Will Bamberg on LinkedIn
• Florian Scholz on LinkedIn
• Sovereign Tech Fund
• Securing the Web Forward
• Open Collective
• MDN Web Docs
• Browser Compatibility Data (BCD)
• Write The Docs
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Join the community on Slack
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, Dan Moore shares his extensive journey in the tech industry, starting in the '90s to his current role as a solutions architect at FusionAuth. He emphasized the critical balance between technical proficiency and soft skills in software development. Dan discusses the value of community involvement, particularly his experiences with the Boulder Ruby Meetup, highlighting the importance of networking and continuous learning in a developer's career.

Dan shared insights from managing the American Farm Shares and CSA's project, highlighting the multi-dimensional challenges of tech projects. Dan also shares his approach to technical writing, focusing on creating evergreen content that remains relevant over time. Dan's advice for new developers included networking, contributing to open source, and understanding the long-term perspective of a tech career.

The episode provides a rich blend of technical expertise, career advice, and personal growth insights, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced developers.

Links

• Dan Moore on LinkedIn
• Letters to a new developer
• FusionAuth
• Boulder Ruby Meetup Group
• The Pragmatic Programmer
• Don't Make Me Think
• The Mythical Man-Month
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Join the community on Slack
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Mechanical Ink

In the latest episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling welcomes Emily Omier, known for her expertise in elevating open source startups from modest beginnings to flourishing ventures. Emily, renowned for her ability to "take revenue streams from a trickle to a flood", shares her invaluable insights on the complex interplay between open source projects and commercial success. She delves into the strategies startups can employ to align their open source initiatives with their financial objectives, emphasizing the importance of balancing open source community ethos with commercial viability.

The conversation with Emily is rich with practical advice for anyone in the open source field. She tackles the often challenging topic of monetization and sustainability, advocating for open discussions about financial aspects within the open source community. Emily also addresses the crucial transition from hobbyist to professional in the open source arena, highlighting key considerations like licensing, community management, and business models. Additionally, she underscores the importance of communication skills for technical individuals in promoting and growing their projects. This episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast is a must-listen, offering a wealth of knowledge for startups and individuals navigating the dynamic world of open source software.

Links

• Emily Omier Consulting
• Emily Omier on LinkedIn
• Positioning Free and Open Source Software (Free E-Book)
• Emily's Blog and Newsletter
• The Business of Open Source podcast
• More of Emily's writing on The New Stack
• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
• Continue the conversation on GitHub
• Join the community on Slack
• Mechanical Ink