Podcast.init

Keeping Up With The Python Community For Fun And Profit with Dan Bader

Dec 3 '18

Summary

Keeping up with the work being done in the Python community can be a full time job, which is why Dan Bader has made it his! In this episode he discusses how he went from working as a software engineer, to offering training, to now managing both the Real Python and PyCoders properties. He also explains his strategies for tracking and curating the content that he produces and discovers, how he thinks about building products, and what he has learned in the process of running his businesses.

Preface

Hello and welcome to Podcast.__init__, the podcast about Python and the people who make it great.
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Your host as usual is Tobias Macey and today I’m interviewing Dan Bader about finding, filtering, and creating resources for Python developers at Real Python, PyCoders, and his own trainings

Interview

Introductions
How did you get introduced to Python?
Let’s start by discussing your primary job these days and how you got to where you are.
- In the past year you have also taken over management of the Real Python site. How did that come about and what are your responsibilities?
- You just recently took over management of the PyCoders newsletter and website. Can you describe the events that led to that outcome and the responsibilities that came along with it?
What are the synergies that exist between your various roles and projects?
- What are the areas of conflict? (e.g. time constraints, conflicts of interest, etc.)
Between PyCoders, Real Python, your training materials, your Python tips newsletter, and your coaching you have a lot of incentive to keep up to date with everything happening in the Python ecosystem. What are your strategies for content discovery?
- With the diversity in use cases, geography, and contributors to the landscape of Python how do you work to counteract any bias or blindspots in your work?
There is a constant stream of information about any number of topics and subtopics that involve the Python language and community. What is your process for filtering and curating the resources that are ultimately included in the various media properties that you oversee?
In my experience with the podcast one of the most difficult aspects of maintaining relevance as a content creator is obtaining feedback from your audience. What do you do to foster engagement and facilitate conversations around the work that you do?
You have also built a few different product offerings. Can you discuss the process involved in identifying the relevant opportunities and the creation and marketing of them?
Creating, collecting, and curating content takes a significant investment of time and energy. What are your avenues for ensuring the sustainability of your various projects?
What are your plans for the future growth and development of your media empire?
As someone who is so deeply involved in the conversations flowing through and around Python, what do you see as being the greatest threats and opportunities for the language and its community?