tl;dr? Like the Boy Scouts: Be Prepared

be_preparedThe Nerdery’s Overnight Website Challenge is coming up again. I will be participating for my 5th year. I’ve had some good years and some bad. I’ve used software that I love and software that I’ve hated. I’ve been on teams that were finalists, one that won the event, and others that weren’t close to the podium but had a great time.

By now, I think most of the webchallenge web pros are seasoned veterans, but none-the-less I’d like to share some of my pro tips – if only for self-documentation. You should first take care of yourself before, during, and after the event. But when it comes to your team, the short story is: Be Prepared. The long story? Do as much as you can ahead of time, not the day of the event.

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I feel the need to confess that I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with The Nerdery.  They do quite a bit of wonderful philanthropic things for the community including (but not limited to):

  • The Overnight Website Challenge
  • Generously hosting (and providing food for) several tech-based meetups including MSPWordPress

I in no way am trying to burn any bridges here.  As of 2012, I have participated in the web challenge for 4 years, and plan to for years to come.  It’s one of the greatest programs for non-profits that has ever been conceived.  However, I feel I need to address the importance of first impressions.

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As a 4-year veteran to the Overnight Website Challenge, I’d like to share some of my personal rules.  I’m not going to tell you what platform to use, what revision control is best — well, actually I will, but at a later date.  We’re here to discuss one thing:  sleep, and lack-thereof.
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