Why Date-ing is Hard

Tech Reading

In the realm of tech reading, Michael Outlaw shares a practical tip for consuming content efficiently. He suggests using tools like Edge or Chrome extensions to convert ePub files into audio, making it easier to absorb information without the fatigue of reading. This method is particularly beneficial for tech materials with fewer code examples, such as "Pragmatic Programmer," allowing listeners to engage with the content more comfortably 1.

You can get Edge to read out ePubs to you, which is really nice because there's definitely a lot of tech material that I would love to hear audio of.

--- Michael Outlaw

Alan Underwood finds this approach appealing, highlighting its potential to transform how developers interact with educational resources.

   

Conference Choices

The discussion on tech conferences reveals diverse preferences among developers. Joe Zack and Alan Underwood explore the ideal number of conferences to attend annually, balancing between local and topical events. While Joe prefers attending four conferences a year to cover various themes, Alan leans towards three, focusing on frameworks and data topics 2.

I don't want to go to a bunch of JavaScript things, I don't want to go to a bunch of C# things, like I want to hit one of each.

--- Alan Underwood

Michael Outlaw shares his experience of attending one conference a month, emphasizing the value of local events and the challenge of balancing them with other commitments.