Speaking Engagements

Building an API with Rails3/12/13 at Triangle.rb
Rails is an attractive platform for building HTTP-based APIs and it’s easy to get started. In this presentation we’ll go over the basics of creating an API controller, wiring it up with routes, protecting it with authentication, and picking a transport encoding.

Homesteading for Freelancers11/13/10 at indieconf
Join me for an interesting look at how software developers can leverage their talent to quickly build small, agile services that target specific niches, with the goal of creating passive revenue streams.

A/B Testing for Developers10/12/10 at CVREG
A/B testing doesn’t have as much street cred as SEO or user experience these days, but it’s just as effective a technique for boosting conversion rates and determining how your visitors use your web application.

A/B Testing for Developers9/3/10 at Ruby Hoedown
A/B testing doesn’t have as much street cred as SEO or user experience these days, but it’s just as effective a technique for boosting conversion rates and determining how your visitors use your web application.

A/B Testing for Developers8/17/10 at raleigh.rb
Preview my Ruby Hoedown talk without driving to Nashville.

Which Ruby Testing Framework Should I Use?9/10/09 at RubyRX
Ruby has dozens of different testing libraries, each with its own strengths and weaknesses and each taking a slightly different approach to testing. How can we possibly choose which one to use?

Git with Ruby9/10/09 at RubyRX
Git is the hottest source control system available today. Learn how to leverage Git from your Ruby scripts.

Generating Rich PDFs with Prawn8/18/09 at raleigh.rb
Leverage Prawn from your Ruby scripts to generate rich, professional-looking PDFs.

Secrets of Effective Nomading8/8/09 at BarCampRDU
Getting out of your home or office for a change of scenery has many benefits, including boosted productivity and fresh networking opportunities. Consider introducing nomading into your own routine.

Homesteading: The New Entrepreneurial Model2/20/09 at RubyRX
Learn how to build software that generates passive income by combining your entrepreneurial drive with your programming skills.

Pragmatic Pair Programming6/27/08 at Agile ITX
Pair programming isn’t inherently evil. It has many tangible, measurable benefits when done pragmatically.

Chaotic Agility8/7/07 at Agile RTP
How understanding the science behind agility can increase our effectiveness and productivity.

Distance Education: An Alternative to Traditional College5/26/07 at NCHE 2007
Why distance education is a great way for homeschoolers to earn a college degree.

Teascript: A Homesteader’s Story5/19/07 at RailsConf 2007
How to use the homesteading mindset to build small, maintainable, revenue-generating Rails applications.

Homesteading with Rails4/17/07 at raleigh.rb
Preview my RailsConf talk without flying to Portland.

Teascript Lightning Talk9/19/06 at raleigh.rb
Come see a demo of my latest Rails-based homesteading project: Teascript.

Distance Education: An Alternative to Traditional College5/26/06 at NCHE 2006
The inauguration of my distance education talk for homeschoolers.