UPDATE: BuzzData's Hands-On Workshop format and organization has changed!
Hello all!
Over the last few months and a few workshops, I've observed that learning data journalism skills requires a bit more commitment and regular practice than a monthly presenter > listener format. As such, I am proposing the following, for those who really want to get their hands dirty:
Every Saturday, from 11am to 3pm at the Linux Caffe (for now, looking into getting space at the Mozilla Office downtown) will be designated a "Shut up and Code" session from here on in.
Bringing your own laptop, power cord, and learning materials is up to you, see below for some starter materials beforehand to get you on a path.
1. If you would like to attend, please comment below what you would like to learn and/or what projects you are currently working on before RSVPing.
If you RSVP and don't explain your plans, I may politely bug you via email and ask you what they are. If 5+ peeps respond with projects and/or plans in mind, I will be there to help coordinate & guide. Otherwise, my presence will not guaranteed unless we arrange personally (sorry, but I like my Saturday afternoon leisure time, too!)
2. Between 11-11:30am, we will have a very quick "stand-up" meeting where we each go around and explain what we plan to work on and/or what we're stuck on. That way if someone else is present who knows how to help, they can quickly chime in and people can partner up if need be.
3. 11:30 onwards: Shut up and code/learn! Grab a chair, a coffee/pastry and get cracking. Over the last few months, a strong subset of engaged people eager to learn and (also very skilled) have bubbled up, and I'd like to help nurture a group feel between us. Let's work as a team and get awesome together!
Starting from scratch? Here are some great starter reference guides for people to pick from that start at the very, very beginning for coding newbies:
Learn Python the Hard Way:
http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/
Everyday Scripting for Ruby
http://media.pragprog.com/titles/bmsft/intr...
BuzzData Blog Tutorials (check the archives, yo)
There are also lots of free visualization tools and guides to experiment with, that don't require coding ability, such as:
ManyEyes:
http://www-958.ibm.com/software/data/cognos...
Tableau Public (very popular with WSJ and other U.S. newspapers right now):
http://www.tableausoftware.com/public
Google Fusion Tables:
http://www.google.com/fusiontables/Home/
And of course, if you need clean data to play with, search on BuzzData!
www.buzzdata.com
Pick something and I'll see you this Saturday. Rock!
-Momoko Price
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