Partner and Build Alliances
If you want to crack a certain problem but you’re not sure exactly how to
do it, put it out as a question. A designer and a developer working together
on a demo product or article is always better than a single person trying to
do everything (and feeling out of their element). Duos can be highly
successful, and even if the team is formed just for a one-off, collaboration
lets you deliver products while getting to know the working styles of others.
Another useful way to collaborate is to form working groups. The WaSP
task forces, for example, work that way and have been immensely
successful. Other developers come together under local banners, which can
bring collective fame to all involved. The UK-based Britpack is an example
of that, as are the Multipack or the Webkrauts in Germany.
Organize some local meet-ups and go from there. This will help you meet
like-minded people, and it will help them get to know you.
Comment on the Work of Others
Leaving comments on blog posts is a great way to become known,
especially when you leave articulate comments that add to the
conversation or explain the subject matter further. There’s no point posting
if you’re going to suck up or divert the discussion. And there are enough
comments that propose solutions to CSS problems. (“Just use jQuery.
Worked for me.”)
Mull over the content of the post and try to think beyond it. Decent
comments include:
- “Great article. You can see that in action at XYZ.”