Originally aired in December 2023: In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling speaks with guest Jordan Harband in a deep dive into the open-source world. 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 challenges like time management, burnout, work-life balance, and personal coping strategies. 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.

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

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

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In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling sits down with Ethan Marcotte, a prominent figure in web design known for coining the term "responsive web design." Ethan's journey in the design world spans over two decades, during which he has significantly influenced how websites are created and experienced across various devices.

Beyond his contributions to design, Ethan has become a vocal advocate for labor rights in the tech industry. His book, "You Deserve a Tech Union," delves into the importance of unionization, especially in an industry marked by precarity and frequent layoffs. Through collective bargaining, tech workers can secure better working conditions, fair wages, and job security, which are often lacking in the current pro-business U.S. labor landscape.

The episode also touches on the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Ethan expressed concerns about the use of training data without proper consent and the broader implications of AI on labor. His proactive stance includes measures to prevent AI platforms from using his website's content, highlighting the need for greater control and transparency in how AI technologies operate.

Accessibility remains a cornerstone of Ethan's vision for the web. He argues that web accessibility should be integrated from the start, rather than being an afterthought. This approach ensures that all users, regardless of their abilities, can interact with web content effectively. Design systems play a crucial role in achieving this by providing a structured approach to creating accessible and performant web components, but there needs to be support and buy-in at an organizational level.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, Ethan's insights offer valuable guidance on navigating its complexities. His advocacy for responsive design, worker power, and ethical AI underscores the need for a more inclusive, fair, and thoughtful approach to technology. By embracing these principles, we can build a better web that serves everyone.

Links

* Ethan Marcotte on LinkedIn

* Ethan Marcotte on the web

* You deserve a tech union

* Co-op Series Part I: Our decision to pursue worker-ownership

* The ShopTalk Show podcast

* Ursula Franklin - The Real World of Technology

* Making version noir

* Erika Hall’s chicken pics

* Mandy Brown’s, A Working Library

* Mandy Brown - Everything changes

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

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In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling sits down with Daniel Beck, a documentation engineer writer based in Amsterdam. Daniel discusses his extensive career in software documentation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the audience and balancing quality content with effective tooling. He elaborates on the challenges of identifying with job titles such as writer, engineer, or documentation engineer, and reflects on his experiences working on MDN Web Docs. The conversation explores the intricacies of contributing to open-source projects, highlighting the need for soft skills.

Daniel introduces projects like Baseline and Web Features, which provide critical data on web platform support, and shares his perspective on the potential and limitations of AI in technical writing. Throughout the discussion, the importance of process, tools, and reader-centered documentation remains a central theme.

Links

* Daniel Beck on LinkedIn

* Daniel Beck on the web

* Baseline

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

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Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling sits down with Miriam Suzanne, a multifaceted expert in web development, an invited expert to the CSS Working Group, and a founder of OddBird. Our discussion spanned a range of topics, from the historical evolution of the web, the impact of social media and algorithms on creativity, the importance of collaboration, the process of writing a specification, the intricacies of modern CSS, the future of Sass, the challenges of funding open-source and work on web standards, and the exciting future of the web.

We also touch on the potential role of large language models (AI) in web development and the potential role AI can play. We also discuss approaches to writing CSS in the modern web development landscape and how we can play to the strengths of CSS, not be afraid to let go of some control, and embrace the beauty of CSS.

Miriam also shares some exciting upcoming features of CSS, the indie web, and the joy of building for the web in small, close-knit teams. It is a far-reaching, insightful, and inspiring conversation.

Links

* Miriam Suzanne on LinkedIn

* Miriam Suzanne on the Web

* Cascading Layouts Workshop

* Oddbird

* Sass

* The Business Site

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling hosts Chris DeMars, a Senior Developer Advocate at DigitalOcean. Chris shares his journey in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of community and accessibility in web development. He delves into the role of a Developer Advocate, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between the community and the organization.

Chris discusses his passion for web accessibility, driven by personal experiences, and the evolution of front-end development. He also touches on the significance of open-source contributions, and the value of Hacktoberfest, and offers insights into effective leadership.

Beyond work, Chris enjoys various hobbies, including paintball, fishing, and the paranormal. The conversation concludes with reflections on the responsible use of AI and advice for those navigating their tech careers.

Links

* Chris DeMars on LinkedIn

* Chris DeMars on GitHub

* CSS Tricks Site Editor role at DigitalOcean

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode, host Schalk Neethling interviews Jennifer Weis, the founder of Mission Save A Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and driving action around mental health and suicide prevention. Jen shares her personal journey and the genesis of Mission Save A Life, which was born out of the tragic loss of her son's friend to suicide.

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.

Jen delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, highlighting the effects of isolation, loss of identity, and the constant fear signals from mask-wearing (not suggesting that mask-wearing during the pandemic was wrong or bad in any way). She also discusses the double-edged nature of technology and social media, which can exacerbate mental health challenges through rapid change, constant connectivity, and online harassment, but can also be powerful tools for education and support.

Throughout the conversation, Jen emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of suicidal ideation and having open conversations about mental health and suicide. She provides actionable advice on how to approach these conversations in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, emphasizing the need to listen without trying to "fix" the situation.

Jen also explores the significance of finding purpose, not being tied to a single identity, and being open to opportunities, especially during difficult life transitions such as job loss or divorce. She shares her own experiences with manifestation and letting go of control, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.

The episode also delves into the various ways individuals can contribute to mental health initiatives like Mission Save A Life, regardless of their skills or backgrounds. Jen highlights opportunities for storytelling, fundraising, application development, and more, emphasizing the organization's community-driven approach and the belief that everyone has a role to play in promoting mental wellness.

Links

* Jennifer Weis on LinkedIn

* Mission Save A Life

* Mission Save A Life Community

* Morning Cup

* Mission Save A Life Survey

* Mission Save A Life on LinkedIn

* Mission Save A Life on Instagram

* Mission Save A Life on Facebook

* Mission Save A Life on YouTube

* Mission Save A Life on X

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling sits down with web accessibility specialist Hidde de Vries. We discuss the NL Design System project, an ambitious open-source initiative by the Dutch government aimed at creating a unified design system and set of components for all government websites and digital services. The project takes a collaborative approach, where different government organizations contribute components, guidelines, and user research, fostering a community-driven effort towards accessibility and inclusivity.

Web accessibility emerges as a central theme, emphasizing the importance of ensuring digital products and services are usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. The discussion delves into the challenges of automated accessibility tools and overlays, highlighting the need for manual testing and a deep understanding of accessibility principles. Additionally, the role of AI and language models in accessibility is explored, recognizing their potential benefits, such as automated transcription, while acknowledging their limitations in understanding context and intent.

The significance of HTML and the evolution of web standards is also highlighted, with Hidde expressing excitement about new features like the `popover` attribute and `invokers` API, which simplify the implementation of accessible components and interactions. Furthermore, the impact of AI-generated code on web accessibility is discussed, emphasizing the need to guide and train these models to prioritize accessibility and produce code that adheres to accessibility standards and best practices.

Links

* Hidde de Vries on LinkedIn

* Hidde de Vries on the Web

* Hidde de Vries on GitHub

* Talk: Could browsers fix more accessibility problems automatically?

* Overlay Fact Sheet

* On popover accessibility: what the browser does and doesn’t do

* Invokers API

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling sits down with Rachel Nabors, whose journey from a cartoonist lost in the world of comics to a beacon in the tech community embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability. Rachel's story is a testament to the power of embracing change, leveraging one's unique skill set, and the importance of continuous learning in the fast-paced tech industry.

The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of coding jobs, where foundational skills in coding remain indispensable despite the rapid advancements in technology. Rachel's experiences highlight how animation, often perceived through the lens of entertainment, plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience and accessibility in web development.

A focal point of their conversation is the value of open-source contributions and active participation in tech communities. Rachel advocates for the democratization of tech education, emphasizing the need to make learning resources more accessible and to foster environments that encourage mentorship and support.

Moreover, Rachel offers advice for those navigating the uncertainties of the tech industry. She underscores the importance of resilience, finding work that fulfills, and the perpetual pursuit of knowledge. Her insights serve as a guide for not only surviving but thriving in the ever-changing tech landscape.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in technology, education, and the intersection of art and science. Rachel Nabors' journey is a compelling narrative of transformation, illustrating the endless possibilities that await those willing to explore the frontiers of digital innovation.

Links

* Rachel Nabors on LinkedIn

* Rachel on GitHub

* The Tech Career Survival Guide

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In a riveting episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling welcomed Matteo Collina, a luminary in the Node.js community whose work has amassed over 22 billion downloads on npm in 2023 for the various open source modules he maintains. This episode was not just a deep dive into the technical intricacies of Node.js but also an enlightening discourse on the security landscape, community engagement, and the future of back-end development with the introduction of Platformatic. Here's a closer look at the discussions that made this episode a must-listen for developers.

Community at the Heart of Technology

Matteo Collina's passion for making technology accessible and fostering community engagement shone through in the conversation. He highlighted the significance of community-driven development and the role of feedback in improving technology. It's clear that for Matteo, the essence of his work extends beyond code; it's about creating a space where people can engage, learn, and contribute to the growth of technology.

Navigating the Security Landscape

Security within the Node.js ecosystem was a critical theme of the conversation. Matteo emphasized the importance of validating and sanitizing data to mitigate security risks. He shared insightful advice on maintaining npm packages, advocating for careful selection and regular updates to avoid vulnerabilities. Additionally, Matteo recommended using NVM for Node.js installation, highlighting the security pitfalls associated with improper package management.

A Call for Maintenance and Updates

One of the striking points Matteo made was the continuous need for software maintenance. He likened open-source projects to maintaining a house, where chores and updates are never-ending. This analogy underscores the dynamic nature of technology and the importance of keeping software up to date to safeguard against security vulnerabilities.

Forward-Looking: The Future of Node.js

Looking ahead, Matteo teased upcoming developments in Node.js, hinting at features that developers have long requested. While specifics were kept under wraps, the excitement for what was to come was palpable. This forward-looking discussion served as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

For developers looking to deepen their understanding of Node.js and security best practices, this episode is an invaluable resource. Engage with the community, heed Matteo's advice on security, and stay tuned for the exciting developments in Node.js. The future is bright, and together, we can build a more secure, efficient, and community-driven tech ecosystem.

Links

* Matteo Collina on Linked

* Matteo Collina on the Web

* Platformatic

* You're Installing Node.js Wrong. That's OK, Here Is How To Fix It

* Prototype-Poisoning

* Secure json-parse

* OWASP

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling sits down with Zach Leatherman, a renowned figure in the web development community, best known for his work on the static site generator 11ty. Their conversation takes us through a journey of understanding the intrinsic link between web performance and accessibility, shining a light on the importance of ensuring the web remains an inclusive space for all.

As they delve into the role of open source in the tech ecosystem, Zach shares his perspective on how it serves as a crucial platform for learning and growth, especially for junior developers navigating the complexities of the web. The discussion on web components and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) brings to the forefront the challenges and opportunities that lie in the adoption and development of these technologies, amidst the backdrop of an industry dominated by tech giants and potential harm to the health of the open web.

This episode not only provides a deep dive into the technicalities of web development but also celebrates the spirit of sharing and collaboration that defines the open-source community. Zach's insights into the future of web development, coupled with Schalk's probing questions, make for an enlightening discussion that's as informative as it is inspiring. Whether you're a budding developer or a seasoned pro, there's something in this conversation for everyone who's ever marveled at the power and potential of the web.

Links

* Zach Leatherman on LinkedIn

* Zach Leatherman on the Web

* 11ty

* Jamstack Panel: Multiple JavaScript Frameworks Are a Good Thing

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.