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2024-05-15

Combinatorial releases won’t help

The general software release workflow looks like something Gutenberg would recognize from 1440 because it actually works pretty well.

Categories Posts
2024-05-08

Use care in examples and placeholders

Placeholder configs for services that the user will interact with should be intentionally broken to protect users and innocent bystanders.

Categories Posts
2024-05-01

Release announcements must be a part of your process

Release announcements give you a chance to create buzz around your project that can help attract new users and contributors.

Categories Posts
2024-04-26

Considering the wishes of upstream projects

Distributions should be opinionated. If you have a sound reason for ignoring upstream’s wishes, do it. But understand you may get no support.

Categories Posts
2024-04-24

On “predetermined” outcomes

You’re obliged to listen to the comments in good faith; you’re not obliged to be convinced by them.

Categories Posts
2024-04-19

Should you prohibit pseudonyms?

If you’re considering adopting a “real name only” policy for your project, think about what problem you’re actually trying to solve.

Categories Posts
2024-04-17

Cancelling meetings isn’t a magical fix

Valuable meetings increase the work that gets done by providing coordination and accountability. Keep the valuable meetings. Cancel the rest.

Categories Posts
2024-04-12

What goes in a release schedule?

Tasks that are low-impact and apt to be forgotten if not done on a regular cadence probably belong on a calendar instead of the schedule.

Categories Posts
2024-04-10

Avoiding hero work pays off in the long run

Avoid burnout and maintain a culture that people want to be a part of by getting rid of hero work. It’s an investment in the long term.

Categories Posts
2024-04-05

How to take notes at meetings

When there’s no chatbot to record meeting notes, you have to do it yourself. This post shares tips for before, during, and after the meeting.

Categories Posts

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About This Site

Learn how to get your ducks in a row, your cats herded, or any other animal metaphor you can think of.

2025 trends

Hand-drawn graphs on a sheet of white paper sitting on a desk.
Read my 2025 open source trends predictions.

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Latest posts

  • It’s okay to be partial to your work2025-05-28
  • Growing your project means doing less coding2025-05-21
  • Adding pre-report bug discussion2025-05-14
  • Use reserved domains and IPs in examples2025-05-07

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