Handmade Meetups

Meetups involve *drumroll* meeting real people. And doing real things. In the real world. I have limited control on what happens in the real world without me, and it would be unconscionable to hold me responsible for it. People should use their better judgment when interacting with others.

Abner Coimbre

Founder, Handmade Cities

Meetups Manifesto

We share a commitment to software quality.

We’re not perfect, but in an industry obsessed with control and profit, we stand for user well-being, agency over software, and privacy. Handmade aims to build better software for humanity which is why we dig deeper into how computers actually work.

Wisdom is magnified by technical competence.

We need the wisdom to distinguish software engineered for exploitation rather than genuine assistance. Furthermore, even when not intentionally exploitative, it may have been constructed devoid of the love, care, or consideration for those who will ultimately rely on it.

Meetups drive change.

To witness true change in our industry, we must consistently forge bonds among the programmers (and allies) who are deeply invested. Handmade Meetups are instrumental for this. While the high-profile conference carries weight, it can’t stand alone.

In the words of Gil Scott-Heron, “The revolution will not be televised.”

– Adapted from the original Meetups announcement.

Hello fellow desk workers,

Come build anti-RSI core and upper body strength while getting to know each other beyond the purely technical. No experience required!
Edgeworks climbing gym day passes are $24 and shoes rentals are $7. We also have a few guest passes available for Edgeworks first-timers.
We typically climb for 2 hours (mostly bouldering and a little bit of top rope), and there are countless places to eat across the street if you would like to continue a conversation afterward.

First Meetup Details

The first meetup is upon us and will take place next Saturday. Here are the details:

Date: Oct 14th
Time: 2-4pm
Address: 101 Rogers St, Cambridge, MA 02142 (The Foundry; Room #5)

The Agenda

Software Project Demos: bring a project you’ve been working on, ask questions, get constructive feedback, etc.
Presentation: give a mini talk about something you’ve been working on and that you think others in the handmade community would find interesting
Special Topics: talk as a group about anything relevant in the handmade community
Social Hour: afterwards, we can head out and grab something to eat

I should mention that you’re not required to bring a project or anything; showing up is good enough! Feel free to hit me up on Discord if you have any questions / concerns. See you all there!

Handmade folks,

Enter Distant Worlds coffeehouse, Seattle’s gathering grounds for geeks!
The owner is fond of the Handmade community and generously provides enough space for all of us
Showcase your personal project to receive friendly feedback, or bring a programming topic for discussion with the group. (You may also simply attend to enjoy our company)
We typically hang out for 2 hours, with optional dinner and more fun afterwards~