Indiedotes Podcast

Kinsey Ann Durham - why getting outside is important for developers

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Show Notes:

As a software developer, or anyone who primarily works on the internet, we often spend most of our hours with a glowing screen in our face. 

“Stepping away is important.” 

Software developer Kinsey Ann Durham was looking for a way to get into the outdoors. She tells us how fly fishing helped her avoid burnout and how it influences her work.

What to read: The power of creative rest

Show Links:

• Kinsey's Instagram
• Kinsey's website
• Fly fishing tips for beginners
• Go Spot Check

Richard Schneeman - balancing between building features and marketing

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As creators, most of us enjoy the making part much more than the sharing part. The problem is that unless we get it out in to the world, no one will see it.

"The product cycle of a feature isn't done until we get users, and some feedback on it."

This week we talk to Richard Schneeman, software developer and creator of Code Triage, the easiest way to get involved in open source. We talk about he found a balance between building new features and promoting his product, and how he went from a simple script to 20,000 developers and 2,000 projects.

What to read: Three ways to market yourself without being a sellout

Show Links:

• Richard's blog
• Code Triage
• Early days of Code Triage

Bobbilee Hartman - the importance of mindset in the creative process

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Show Notes:

When you embark on a project, there will always be people who tell you that it’s going to be challenging or impossible. How you handle the naysayers (even the internal ones inside you) can mean the difference between a successful project and one that tanks.

“I’ll just take it as it comes.”

Software developer and independent event creator Bobbilee Hartman shares why mindset is so important when doing any sort of creation. She used her mindset to create events despite having experience and to get through a forest fire during her first event.

What to read: Three things to do when you feel self-doubt

 

Show Links:

• Bobbilee website
• Lodged Out
• Rails Camp West
• Rejection Proof

 

Mike Perham - Building a sustainable independent open source business model

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After a decade as a Java developer, open source helped Mike Perham build a name for himself in the Ruby world. He saw the open source burnout pattern happen over and over. He didn't want it to happen to him. So even though it went against industry norms,  Mike started Sidekiq with the intention of making money.

“I’m a creator and I love building tools.”

After five years, Sidekiq has more than 11 million downloads and has surpassed his goal of making $1M without taking a cent of investor money. Hear why it’s important to avoid what he calls “Tip Jar Mindset” and how he turned his project from making him $1/hour to the robust business it is today. 

What to read: Avoiding burnout

Show Links:

• Mike Perham website
• Mike Perham Twitter
• Sidekiq
• How to charge for open source
• How to make 100k in open source
• 11.2 million downloads!

Saron Yitbarek - crafting a conference experience

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Show Notes:

Many of us have dreamed about what it would be like to create our own conference. We wonder what it would be like to pick the venue, curate the programming ,find interesting speakers and craft the kind of experience that we'd want.

Saron Yitbarek had this dream too.  Quitting her job allowed her to do bigger projects like a conference for her business, CodeNewbie.

"I wanted to make people feel special. I wanted them to feel like they belonged."

Saron shares what she considered the hardest part of a running a conference (hint: it's an uncomfortable task for most of us). She also shares the best piece of advice she received and the advice she’d give to others.

If you’ve ever wanted to host an event, this behind-the-scenes look is fascinating. 

What to read: Why your brain hates selling

 

Show Links:

• CodeNewbie
• BloggyTunes
• Codeland Conf
• Saron Yitbarek Twitter
• CodeNewbie Twitter
• Your Perfect Tech Talk
• Transitions (book)

Jim Gay - getting a habit back on track

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You’re in flow. Everything is working like clockwork. Good stuff starts to happen. And then…something happens. Breaking a streak is so common, everyone goes through it. Still, those habits can be very useful. How do you get back on track once you lose your streak?

“I was the guy who wrote short, easy to read articles.” 

On this episode, software developer, author and team trainer Jim Gay shares how he broke a streak and how he got back on track.

Show Links:

• Clean Ruby
• Jim's blog
• Ruby DSL Handbook
• What if we organized code by features?
• The Paradox of Choice
• James Clear - Never miss twice 

What to read:  Handling the surprises of independence

 

Femke van Schoonhoven - collaborating on side projects

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Show Notes:

Finding time to work on side projects is hard for anyone. The complexity increases when collaborating with a partner.

Of all her side projects: "It's a lot, but I never think it's enough."

Self-described side project addict and designer Femke van Schoonhoeven talks about her experience running the Design Life Podcast with fellow designer, Charli Prangley. 

Femke also shares why figuring out ownership on a side project is important even if it doesn’t make money.

What to read: Collaborating on side projects

*Affiliate link

Show Links:

• Femke's Newsletter
• Femke's Articles
• Creative Series
• Design Life Podcast
• Bullet journaling
• StrengthsFinder*
• Fallout Shelter
• Shoes (tool for writing Ruby apps)

 

Matt Kirk - Avoiding burnout while writing a book

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Writing a book is on the bucket list for many of us. We look forward to the credibility it gives us, often not anticipating how difficult writing a book can be. When you write a book, or undertake any project really, you’ll encounter unexpected challenges.

In this week's episode, machine learning expert and author Matt Kirk shares how he got a publisher for his machine learning books, how he wrote his first book in nine months, why his second one took two years and what he learned about personal limits.

Matt's story takes a surprising turn you won't want to miss.

What to read: Avoiding burnout

Show Links

• Matt's website
• Matt Kirk Twitter
• Thoughtful Machine Learning
• Thoughtful Machine Learning with Python
• Grammarly
• The Elements of Style

John Bafford - Hiking the Appalachian Trail

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Show Notes

Have ever dreamed of chucking your daily grind to do something radical? On this week’s episode, software developer John Bafford took that chance. 

“I kinda liked the outdoors. I thought it might be kinda fun to hike the Appalachian Trail.” 

Despite never having camped outdoors or having done a long hike, John decided to hike the entire Appalachian Trail — a 2,200 mile foot path that spans from Georgia to Maine. Despite his lack of experience in this endeavor, John decided he wanted to take the chance to do something amazing. The decision changed his life.

What to read: The missing career path for the technical expert

Show Links

• John's AT experience
• John’s next hike
• Longstride website
• Longstride Twitter
• Longstride Facebook
• Technical website
• John Bafford Twitter

 

Chris Parsons - Doing a kickstarter campaign for a video game

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Show Notes

My guest this week is software developer and independent video game designer, Chris Parsons. He heads up Revelation Games and the creator of the indie game, Sol Trader.

This episode focuses on his latest video game, Ealdorlight, which he was in the midst of funding through a kickstarter campaign. You’ll find this episode interesting if you’re interested running a kickstarter campaign, creating a team or drumming up interest for a side project. 

What to read: How to recover from a business failure

Show Links

• Revelation Games
• Ealdorlight
• Sol Trader
• Chris Parsons Twitter