stack exchange, software testing, and learning
It’s PSA time! It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of what Joel Spolsky and co have done with with the stackoverflow family and stackexchange. The flat (yet easily structured via tags) structure is perfect for discoverability, and the psychological goodness of points, badges and reputation, can’t be beat.
Now, if you look at the little tag on the right, you’ll see that I have 500 or so points on a software testing site based on stackexchange. Software Testing Club has their own stackexchange as well. Other fans of SO/SE may know that the model for stackexchange sites changed a while back (to a model that I think is very good). These days, stack sites go through a staged proposal process that tries to set the sites up for success. And, in the spirit of “more is better” a brand new testing related SE site was proposed just a few months ago.
I’m starting to think that the “sponsored” site may be the direction to move towards. You don’t have to agree with me, but if you do, spend a bit of time poking around this proposal. Vote for a few on-topic or off-topic questions, then (after the site gets to the commit stage), commit to participating through the beta period. I think it will be a huge advantage to our profession if we can get better at sharing our experiences, knowledge, and ideas (and have fun doing so).
And – if you really like stackexchange and software engineering in general, I also encourage you to take part in the Software Engineering SE site. It’s only a handful of commitments away from going into beta, and I think it will be another informative and fun site to participate in.
PSA over – back to normally scheduled rants and gripes soon.