Mechanical Ink Podcast

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)

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 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

* Rate and review on Spotify

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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In the latest episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling sits down with Mozilla's Liv Erickson to explore the frontiers of internet technology and its implications for our digital future. As a bastion for privacy, accessibility, and open web advocacy, Mozilla's efforts are crucial in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Liv, with her unique blend of creativity and technological expertise, provides fascinating insights into the role of AI and XR technologies in shaping our online experiences.

The discussion also delves into Liv’s Memory Cache project, an innovative endeavor that epitomizes the creative potential of technology to capture and preserve our most precious memories in the digital realm. This project emphasizes the potential of open-source and its role in building privacy-respecting AI tools and agents.

As the conversation unfolds, Liv and Schalk ponder the future of web technologies, emphasizing the need for an internet that remains open, accessible, and user-centric. The dialogue between innovation and ethics, privacy and creativity, is at the heart of this discussion, offering listeners a comprehensive view of what the future might hold for the internet and our place within it.

This episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast not only enlightens but also inspires, urging us to envision an internet that continues to serve as a platform for innovation, expression, and connection. As we look to the future, the insights shared by Liv underscore the importance of fostering an online environment that respects user privacy, champions accessibility, and celebrates the creative potential inherent in each of us.

Links

* Liv Erickson on LinkedIn

* MemoryCache

* Augmenting Local AI with Browser Data: Introducing MemoryCache

* Liv’s Blog

* Keeping Liv accountable ✌️- Conscious Realities

* 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

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In this collaboration between the CHAOSScast and Mechanical Ink podcasts, hosts Dawn Foster and Schalk Neethling are joined by guests Daniel Izquierdo and Sean Goggins to discuss open-source community health metrics.

The episode brings together two fascinating open-source projects - GrimoireLab and Augur - that aim to provide insights into the health of open-source software communities. By gathering data from various platforms and channels, and analyzing contributor activity, issues, pull requests, and conversations, these projects shine a light on the inner workings of open-source projects.

You have Sean Goggins, a university researcher who co-created Augur to dissect community interactions at scale. Then you have Daniel Izquierdo whose startup Bitergia built GrimoireLab to offer open source analytics as a service. Both share insightful stories on the evolving landscape of inner source and metrics-driven community management. It's a great listen for anyone involved in running open-source projects or communities.

Beyond project leads, the conversation also touches on why understanding community health is vital today for enterprise adopters to track their dependencies and influence. And as Dawn Foster from CHAOSS chips in, you get an important reminder to not get carried away chasing tools without clarity on what specific questions you want answered from the underlying data.

Overall, a stimulating mix of history and future direction on using metrics to guide open-source communities toward greater sustainability.

Links

* Dawn Foster on LinkedIn

* Daniel Izquierdo on LinkedIn

* Sean Goggins on LinkedIn

* CHAOSScast

* CHAOSS project

* CHAOSS Software Overview

* CHAOSS project on GitHub

* Augur Software as a Service (SaaS)

* GrimoireLab SaaS

* Beyond the Repository

* 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

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In a special episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling shines a spotlight on an open-source project revolutionizing the marketing automation landscape—Mautic. Joined by Ruth Cheesley, the project lead of Mautic, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation that not only demystifies marketing automation but also celebrates the power of open-source collaboration.

Ruth Cheesley's story is not one you'd expect in the tech world. With a background in sports science and physiotherapy, Ruth's journey to becoming the project lead of Mautic is a testament to the open-source community's ability to embrace individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her narrative is a beacon for anyone looking to pivot into technology, showcasing that passion and curiosity can pave the way to influential roles in the tech sphere.

Mautic, as Ruth eloquently describes, is more than just a marketing automation platform; it's a community-driven project that leverages the collective intelligence of its users to create a tool that rivals even the most advanced proprietary software. The platform's capabilities, from email automation to dynamic content and CRM integration, underscore the potential of open-source projects to deliver cutting-edge technology.

But what stands out most in this conversation is the emphasis on community. Mautic thrives on contributions from individuals around the globe, each bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to the project. This collaborative spirit not only accelerates the platform's development but also fosters a sense of belonging among its contributors. It's a powerful reminder of how open-source projects can drive innovation through collective effort.

Looking ahead, Ruth shares exciting developments on the horizon for Mautic, including user interface improvements and new features designed to enhance the user experience. These advancements promise to make Mautic even more accessible and powerful, ensuring its place at the forefront of marketing automation technology.

For indie creators and marketers alike, Mautic offers a compelling solution that balances advanced functionality with the ethos of open-source collaboration. This episode of Mechanical Ink not only highlights the platform's capabilities but also celebrates the community behind it. As Ruth Cheesley and the Mautic project continue to push the boundaries of what open-source can achieve in the marketing domain, they offer a shining example of innovation, inclusivity, and the power of community.

Listeners are left with a clear message: in the world of open-source, the possibilities are limitless, and Mautic is leading the charge in transforming the marketing automation landscape.

Links

* Ruth Cheesley on LinkedIn

* Mautic

* Contribute to Mautic

* Join the Mautic Slack

* Mautic on GitHub

* Mautic Docs - General | DevDocs

* Mautic Open Startup reports - General | Quarterly

* 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

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The open-source ecosystem experienced a monumental shift in 2023, as detailed by Martin Woodward, VP of Developer Relations at GitHub, on the Mechanical Ink Podcast. The Octoverse report highlighted that more first-time contributors joined the open-source community than ever before. But why?

Global Open Source Contributions Surge

Martin attributed this influx to a blend of factors, including the lowered barriers to entry, thanks to GitHub's streamlined tools and inclusive strategies. The rise of diverse contributors from various economic backgrounds indicates a democratization of technology, where economic growth enables more individuals to invest time in open source.

Security at the Forefront

GitHub's focus on security has bolstered the confidence of developers. From Dependabot's automated vulnerability patching to secret scanning and branch protection features, GitHub is making it easier for maintainers to focus on innovation rather than administration.

AI's Transformative Impact

The integration of AI into development tools, exemplified by GitHub Copilot, offers a glimpse into a future where coding assistance is readily accessible. This advancement, however, comes with the responsibility to ensure ethical use and equitable access.

Looking Ahead

Woodward's vision is optimistic yet grounded. He stresses the importance of ethical considerations and resource management as we forge ahead into this new technological era. Open source isn't just about code; it's about community, collaboration, and the collective drive to advance technology responsibly.

We've only scratched the surface here. For a deep dive into the Octoverse 2023 insights and to hear more from Martin Woodward, listen to the full podcast episode.

Links

* Martin Woodward on LinkedIn

* Martin Woodward on GitHub

* The 2023 Octoverse Report

* Push protection is generally available, and free for all public repositories

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

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In this Mechanical Ink podcast episode, Schalk Neethling leads an in-depth conversation with Isaac Levin and Richard Littauer, exploring crucial aspects of open-source contribution, the impact of diversity in tech, and strategies for sustainable open-source projects.

Isaac shares insights from his involvement in the .NET community, highlighting the importance of acknowledging open-source efforts in professional settings.

Richard discusses the roles of Sustain and Open Collective in supporting open source projects financially and through community engagement, stressing the necessity for a sustainable model.

The dialogue emphasizes the collective responsibility of both individuals and corporations to foster an inclusive, supportive open source environment.

Note: We had some challenges with Issac’s audio, but the conversation is so insightful I would encourage everyone to listen past that.

Links

* Isaac Levin on LinkedIn

* Richard Littauer on LinkedIn

* Sustain OSS

* Sustain OSS Podcast

* Open Collective

* Coffee and Open Source

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

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In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Deepak Prabhakara from BoxyHQ shared his journey in the tech world, starting from his early days in Bangalore, India. His story is one of passion for technology, leading to significant roles in startups and eventually founding BoxyHQ. The discussion centered around BoxyHQ’s solutions like single sign-on, directory sync, and audit logs, all designed to enhance enterprise readiness for startups and growing companies.

A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to the open-source philosophy of BoxyHQ, particularly their decision to use the Apache 2 license. This approach aligns with their goal to make complex security protocols more accessible and user-friendly for developers. Deepak provided a detailed explanation of concepts like authentication, authorization, SAML, and SAML federation, emphasizing how BoxyHQ simplifies these for their users.

Looking ahead, Deepak shared insights into BoxyHQ's roadmap, highlighting the development of new products like the Data Privacy Vault. This forward-thinking approach underscores BoxyHQ’s commitment to staying at the forefront of evolving security and privacy needs in the tech world.

Links

* Deepak Prabhakara

* Sama Carlos Samame

* BoxyHQ on the Web

* SAML Jackson

* BoxyHQ SaaS Starter Kit

* Retraced Audit Logs

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

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In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling engaged in a profound conversation with Taylor Fairbank and Kai Katschthaler from Distribute Aid. They delved into the intersection of technology and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the importance of understanding ground-level needs over imposing tech solutions. Taylor narrated his transition from a tech background to co-founding Distribute Aid, influenced by his experiences in startups and the socio-political climate. Kai introduced the Open Source Explorers Program, highlighting its inclusive nature and role in integrating diverse skills into humanitarian projects. The discussion also touched upon the personal aspects of working in this field, including the impact of neurodiversity and gender identity on their experiences and perspectives.

The conversation illuminated the challenges and complexities of merging technology with humanitarian efforts, showcasing Distribute Aid’s holistic approach that prioritizes real-world solutions. Key insights included the value of ground-level insights, leveraging technology for a greater impact, the significance of inclusivity in tech and aid, and the potential of open-source projects in driving social good. The episode concluded with a note on the personal and professional challenges faced in sustaining non-profit initiatives like Distribute Aid, yet underscored the profound impact such work can have in shaping a more equitable and responsive humanitarian sector.

Links

* Taylor Fairbank on LinkedIn

* Kai Katschthaler on LinkedIn

* Distribute Aid

* Open Source Explorers

* Distribute Aid on GitHub

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling interviews Brian (bdougie) Douglas, the founder of Open Sauced. They delve into the significance of open-source contributions and the impact of tools like Open Sauced in providing comprehensive insights and analytics for open-source projects.

Brian discusses the importance of contributions from senior engineers in the open-source community and how these contributions shape the ecosystem. The conversation highlights Open Sauced’s capabilities in offering detailed insights at both the repository and organizational levels, addressing a common challenge faced by open-source projects.

They explore various metrics crucial for assessing the health and progress of open-source projects, such as PR velocity, which measures the speed at which pull requests are handled, and the engagement of new contributors. Brian emphasizes the need for recognizing valuable contributions and managing the challenges that come with community building, such as dealing with spam and ineffective contributions.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of these contributions for professional growth and the sustainability of the open-source community. Brian shares insights into how Open Sauced aids in building a sustainable community by providing the necessary tools to manage and understand these contributions effectively.

Links

* Brian (bdougie) Douglas on LinkedIn

* Open Sauced

* The Pizza CLI

* Astro

* Vitejs

* Next.js

* OpenAI Embeddings

* HuggingFace

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* 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 - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling speaks with Brian McGonagill, an advocate for open source software. Brian shares his unconventional career path, which spans roles at the Large Hadron Collider, Intel, and as a police officer, leading up to his current advocacy for open source software. His journey into the open source world began with his involvement in the Open Science Grid project, which sparked his interest in Linux and open source software.

They also dive into a discussion that revolves around Brian's YouTube video, "Giving up on Open Source". This video was inspired by a post on an open source subreddit, reflecting on how negative attitudes and behaviors can detrimentally impact the open source community. Brian and Schalk delve into the importance of a positive first experience in open source projects, emphasizing that toxic environments can permanently deter newcomers. This conversation underscores the need for fostering a welcoming and inclusive community in open source initiatives.

Brian also expresses concerns over data privacy in social media and the impetus this provides in seeking open source alternatives. He founded the 'Awesome Open Source' YouTube channel, aiming to demystify open source software through detailed tutorials for beginners. The podcast also highlights the critical role of user experience in open source software and the importance of community feedback in enhancing these projects.

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Links

* Brian McGonagill on LinkedIn

* Support Brian on Patreon

* Awesome Open Source on YouTube

* Giving up on Open Source (YouTube)

* Headscale / Tailscale (YouTube)

* Tabby (YouTube)

* Dashy (YouTube)

* ULauncher (YouTube)

* Shotcut (YouTube)

* Trillium Notes (YouTube)

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink

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

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, hosted by Schalk Neethling, guest Anna Smith takes listeners on a journey exploring her multifaceted experiences and perspectives. Anna shares her unique insights on subjects ranging from climate change and the role of AI in addressing global challenges to the value of embracing boredom for creative thinking. Through her lens as a cross-cultural explorer, she reflects on the transformative impact of living in different parts of the world, highlighting the profound value of diverse global perspectives. With thought-provoking quotes and engaging discourse, this episode offers a rich tapestry of wisdom and curiosity that invites listeners to broaden their horizons and view the world through a more empathetic and creative lens.

Links

• Anna Smith on LinkedIn


• Anna on the Web
  


• Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn


• Continue the discussion on GitHub.


• Join the community on Slack.


• Mechanical Ink