Let’s make things together

24 Mar, 2024

Overview

• I'm hosting an experiment where we each make something (not limited to just programming) over the course of 6 weeks
• We'll have weekly show & tells and a demo day at the end (you get a virtual medal)
• Fill out this form if you're interested

We want to make things

One of the hardest parts of making things is choosing something to make and starting. The second hardest part is continuing to do so.

After chatting with a number of people from Bear and other communities, I’ve found that there’s quite an appetite for making and creating, especially alongside others.

However, making things without a deadline, goal, or some accountability can make it harder to start, continue, or finish.

The experiment

So, here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to host an experiment. We will all meet (virtually) once a week for 6 weeks to share progress and receive feedback on our projects.

At the end of the 6 weeks, we’ll do a “demo day”. I have demo day in quotes because it can be anything from a poem to an app. So it could be an actual demo, but it’s more of a show and tell.

If the 6 week experiment goes well, we can do another 6 weeks where you can either continue work on your project or start a new one. We'll also take the chance to welcome newcomers.

Logistics and general guidelines

1. If you’re interested in joining the first cohort, I’ve made this short form for you to register your interest and project idea. It's okay if your project idea is not fixed at this point. But, it should be fixed by the end of the first week so you have the remaining five weeks to work on it.

2. Major announcements will be sent via email, but day-to-day convos will be via Discord[0] (Link to the Discord server will be sent in an email).

3. The weekly show & tell and feedback session will be live. If you’re uncomfortable with live presentation, you’re welcome to record it beforehand. Either way, the show and tell should be about a minute so we can do 4-5 minutes of feedback and Q&A. Your final demo on demo day can be longer (~3 minutes), since no feedback will be given at that point.

Questions you may have

• Is this remote? You bet.
• Is this free? Yep!
• When will it start? Currently planning on early- to mid-April to start. I'll be sending an email ahead of time with the start date.
• What should I work on? That’s up to you! It doesn’t have to be programming related. In fact, I encourage non-programming projects to join. Write a song, learn a skateboarding trick, create a new recipe. There’s magic that happens when people from different domains mingle.
• What do I get at the end? First, you get the reward of finishing the project you set out to accomplish! Second, a round of applause from the whole cohort on your finished project. Third, if you present 5 out of 6 weekly updates you’ll get a personalized virtual medal you can place anywhere to show you were part of this cohort and reached the end.
• Can I work with others? Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it. You’re welcome to combine forces halfway, if you want.
• How much should I work on my project? Totally up to you. I understand you may have school/work/life with friends and family and those take time and commitment. Do what you can and what you feel comfortable doing! Set your goal so that doing a little each day will ensure you reach it.

Let’s do this

Truthfully, I don’t know how this experiment will go! But I'm excited about it all the same.

I hope it helps you tackle a project and that we’re able to foster a close knit group that were all “in the thick of it” together.

Can't wait to see what things you want to make!

[0] If this experiment goes well, I’ll definitely consider other options for communication. This is just easiest for now.