One of the things that I was always looking for when I started out building a portfolio of work when I was looking for my first tech job was feedback.  I wanted people to look at my code, to look at my web apps, to look at my resume...and just tell me their impressions.  I think developers of all levels could benefit from a safe space to connect with people with different areas of knowledge and levels of experience to be able to get direction and advice on their projects.

With that in mind, I'm launching a bi-weekly meetup for Cleveland developers to bring their portfolio work, their side projects, their experiments, their resumes, their elevator pitches, etc. and get some feedback from the group.  Each person who wants to present will be given a block of time to show, while the rest of us watch, listen, and eat (WITH OUR MICS MUTED!) Then we will provide congratulations for the effort and courage, constructive criticism and insight, and encouragement to continue.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I know that I'm very vulnerable when I'm showing off my projects because I work so hard on them and I'm just generally really sensitive and anxious when speaking in front of people, so it's important that everyone takes on the personal challenge to be both honest and kind at the same time.  If we can all manage that, we can create a low-stakes proving ground for our work and ideas that will serve as a great resource for our community.

Feedback Fridays will happen on Google Meet during my lunch hour at 1pm EST and will end at 2pm. If the event is a success we'll likely have to schedule presentations more formally in the future and maybe I can find someone to host a second hour, but for now we will do one hour and keep it informal since the group will be small.

Please RSVP for the event to get an event link.  I hope to see everyone there!