Last year was my first Overnight Website Challenge. I was skeptical, but I learned way more than I ever expected to. There's something special about learning by working with a team for a common goal. I got to experience how projects are run at the Nerdery by being on Chris' team, which helped discover new modules, new techniques, and overall improve how I run projects with Enjoy Creativity (and later Triplo).
That's why it's my pleasure to tell you about OWC this year. The Overnight Website Challenge is an event where teams of people like you build websites pro-bono for nonprofits from 9am on May 2nd until 9am on May 3rd. Joining a team would be a great experience for folks that want to join a crazy event and learn a lot about the process of making websites.
The sponsors provide food, drinks, desks, power, wifi during the entire 24 hour period. You just have to bring along your own essentials: laptop / desktop, monitor, keyboard, good luck charm, board games - whatever you need to survive the 24 hours or keep you going late at night. Not sure you can make it the whole night? There are even places to nap, quiet rooms, and even a place to get massage.
So far the Twin Cities has two teams focused on Drupal:
- Drupal Rocks! (A team of OWC vets looking to do good for a local nonprofit. They're looking for a couple front end developers.)
- Twin Cities Drupal (A team of familiar faces from TCDUG in need of some module developers and site builders.)
Prior to the event our teams will be working together to prepare and plan so that we will be less frantic and create a better end result for the nonprofit.
Both of our teams have committed to getting the job done and providing support long after the event. This event sometimes has a bad reputation for leaving nonprofits in bad positions, but we still have a great relationship with the nonprofit we worked with last year: Home for Life.
Interested in hearing more? Leave a comment and ask some questions.
Ready to join a team?
- Click here to join Drupal Rocks!
- Click here to join Twin Cities Drupal
- Not sure? Feel free to sign up as a free agent
Have your own personal OWC experience to share? Leave a comment to share with the others.
Comments
Good Experience
I'd like to thank David Needham and Chris Weber for taking the lead on this. I was part of 'Drupal Rocks' last year and really enjoyed the experience. I think it's a great chance for local freelancers and independent developers to experience what it's like to "git pull" and actually pull down changes from others. In other words, what it's like to be part of a team that are all working on the same project at the same time.
It's an interesting experience to go through the life cycle of a project in 24 hours and I'd encourage others to join the team.
I've signed up for a second year and look forward to working with others.
Tim Erickson
Triplo
OWC is great
The event is challenging but the work is great. Every year nonprofits come into the challenge looking for chance to spread their message and sustain their efforts through having a working website to drive that.
Looking forward to a great time this year!
Software Engineer @ The Nerdery
Don't fear the OWC!
For anyone who is reticent about attending an all-nighter, do not fear! While some people do stay up all night, more human levels of participation are welcomed and encouraged! Does it serve you to get 5 hours of sleep in you own bed? Then go home and do that!
There is a nap room if you need a cat-nap, just bring earplugs! ( I did that last year, as did many others. )
You will be well fed, and totally be taken care of. You can bring your 'big' machine and all the monitors you want!
It is amazing at how much 10 people can do in a 24 hour period. You will definitely learn something too!
So do it!
Is it mostly developers on
Is it mostly developers on the teams or is there any need for people to do QA and communication with the clients?
life's a beach
Definitely
There's definitely a need for QA and project management. Chris - is "Drupal Rocks!" looking for help in those areas? The "Twin Cities Drupal" team has those roles filled, but I think there are several teams on the list at OWC looking for help with this.
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David Needham
Team Lead of Training at Datadog
I'd consider it, but I'm booked.
Reservations aside, it does sound like a fun event -- but that's the one weekend every year that I'm always unavailable.
Deadline: April 1st
Somewhat hilariously, the deadline to apply to an OWC team has been set at April 1st. If you're interested in joining a team, take a break from planning your April 1st pranks and hope on over to one of the team links listed above to join.
Software Engineer @ The Nerdery
Hello Friends! We still need
Hello Friends! We still need two more team members to qualify to take part in the OWC. If you've been holding out, not sure the event is right for you, well now's your chance to step up and help us out. If staying up all night isn't your thing, we'll be as accommodating as we can - including releasing you for the evening for much needed sleep.
Post your questions here, or get in touch with me directly: david@triplo.co.
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David Needham
Team Lead of Training at Datadog
People Choice Award
Hello TCDrupal! Voting just opened for the people's choice award portion of the Overnight Website Challenge: http://nrdry.com/peopleschoice-tc2015. Please take a moment to vote for one of our two teams (Drupal Rocks! or Twin Cities Drupal) and spread the word to your friends and colleagues.
http://nrdry.com/peopleschoice-tc2015
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David Needham
Team Lead of Training at Datadog