Newsletter for September 25th, 2007
Codename "Chatty Kathy"
"If you read nothing else on our site, read our BLOG"
1. Newsletter Editorial Hi all. Darwin here with another overview of the past couple of weeks of activity on Donationcoder - and what a couple of weeks they've been! Wordzilla has worked his magic yet again by integrating the open source cgi:irc browser based IRC applet into the DonationCoder website. Yes! You too can participate in the IRC antics referred to in many a posting by simply clicking on the
chat! link on the forum navigation bar. Drop by and join in the fun!
Donationcoder member app103 has been in the spotlight once again because of her excellent application
Instant Boss , which was recently featured
Lifehacker. App
admits to being a bit overwhelmed by the attention and the kudos, but they are well deserved! For another perspective on software development, and a peek into the mind of a developer, that dovetails nicely with app's comments, check out this
thread on a blog essay about how "Programming can ruin your life".
2. We want your help and participation! The DC ranks are swelling - a look at the stats for the total number of (both donating and non-donating) members reveals that 2758 members have joined since the last newsletter went out on Sept.8. - we're 88,912 strong as of 1 PM PST! The forum is a unique, vibrant, and friendly community in which DC members ask for and receive help, chat, and post about things of interest in the world of software, software development, the internet, and computing. Don't be shy! If you haven't posted before on the forum, here are some recent posts we'd love to have your participation in:
3. Official DonationCoder.com Application NewsIt's been a quiet month for DonationCoder software, but if you use our Screenshot Captor or FARR program, you might want to visit these threads on the forum:
4. Mini-Reviews by MembersSome nice mini-reviews by our members in the last two weeks, as well as another thread on possible ways to improve the way we handle reviews on the site, and a link to an offsite review of OCR tools.
5. September Discounts and Giveaway WinnersThe winners of September's shareware giveaway have been announced on the forum, but supporting members still have until the end of the month to take advantage of September's discounts on BufferZone, Prevx, RecentX, and the wonderful TechSupportAlert (Gizmo) Newsletter subscription.
6. General Software DiscussionSoftware, software, software. If you're looking for a software solution, look no further than Donationcoder. Use Wordzilla's excellent new search feature to check if the software or category of software has been discussed on Donationcoder. If not, post a request on the boards and someone will be able to give you some suggestions. Most of the items below are freeware:
7. Living RoomLots of content on the Donationcoder forum boards is not directly software related, but represent interesting finds made by DC members as the surf the web or requests for help in solving computer related problems.
8. GamingThere is more to life, and Donationcoder.com, than the serious discussion of software. Here are some links to games. Take a look - you might find yourself enjoying one or two. Consider the guilty pleasure a much deserved break from reality - a chance to recharge your batteries, leaving your refreshed and better prepared to face reality upon your return.
9. Coding Snacks One of the many advantages of frequenting a community populated by software enthusiasts, is that you are bound to get lots of suggestions for software solutions to workflow problems. However, another perk is that there are a high percentage of software coders among us and if all else fails you can post a request on the Coding Snack board and find out if anyone is willing to code a solution for you! Here are some recent requests. Have one of your own? Post it
here .
10. Developer's CornerAs note above, many Donation Coder members and guests are software developers and they post about development issues. Software development needn't be mysterious - drop by the Developer's board and you might just find yourself working your way through assignments in one of the more than a dozen languages in the
Self-Teaching Programming School. Have fun! And don't forget that we also use this section to discuss general issues in self-employment and time management, so you may find useful information even if you're not interested in programming.
11. Member Site Spotlight In this issue of the newsletter, I thought it would be nice to highlight DC member relequestual's excellent freeware review site called
Appaholic . relequestual only posts about software that he has personally used and can recommend - so add Appaholic to the list of sites that you visit for software recommendations and inspiration. You can read mouser's thread about Appaholic below. Are you a member of DonationCoder.com with a website that doesn't get the attention you think it deserves? Let us know!
12. Site of the monthJust a reminder that
lifehack.org is our site of the month for September 2007. They offer up advice and tips on how to make the best use of your time and how to accomplish things without spending a fortune. They are also are platform agnostic and always recommend interesting and helpful apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux users to try out. Content is upbeat, lively, and constantly changing. Check out their site and sign up for the RSS feed and start hacking yourself!
