ChicagoRuby

Merb and Rails: Merging Into Rails 3

In a Nutshell
You’ve already heard the news: Merb is being merged into Rails 3. If you are wondering what this means for your clients and apps, here are a few resources:

• Why Should Merbists Be Happy? – Clients, developers, and apps all win in the merge.
• Work on what you use and share the rest – DHH != Rails, and this post at Loud Thinking tells why.

From the Creator of Mongrel
Zed Shaw, creator of Mongrel and author of Rails is a Ghetto had this reaction:

I honestly didn’t think that would ever happen. I just assumed that Merb
would eventually wipe out Rails by being the better framework, or they’d
wipe each other out soon.

So, congrats are in order. You guys are finally grown-ups and now have
the chance to make something better.

More Discussion
Yes, this subject will be discussed at our Jan 17, 2009 meeting. Drop by Meetup.com for the exact location and to RSVP.

January 2009 Collaboration

No one of us is as smart as all of us.

- President Woodrow Wilson

Next Meeting
Our December meeting was so successful that we’ve decided to do it again in January! Our next meeting (Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 3pm) will feature lightning talks and collaboration. Be sure to drop by Meetup to RSVP and to gather details.

Lightning Talk Outline (One Format)
If you’re thinking about giving a lightning talk, here’s one format you might consider:

• What project(s) are you working on?
• What is your biggest problem (source of pain)?
• How did you resolve the problem?
• If the problem hasn’t been resolved, what resolutions have you tried?

You may have experienced this before: When we brainstorm with like-minded people, solutions bubble to the surface.

Future Meetings & Activities
If you have ideas for future ChicagoRuby.org meetings, dash an email to your organizer team. We can be reached at

organizers {at} chicagoruby {dot} org

As we share ideas with the group, every individual becomes stronger. Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!

Keep Sending Lightning Talks

To those of you who have suggested lightning talks for our Dec 20, 2008 meeting, thank you!

Email Your Ideas
Please continue to email your ideas to organizers {at} chicagoruby {dot} org and be sure to include the following in your message:

• Your idea for a five-minute lightning talk.
• Your ideal presenter. Hopefully it’s you!

Lightning Talk – Defined
For our purposes, a lightning talk is a presentation lasting 5 minutes (or less) on a topic of interest to the ChicagoRuby.org group. You could talk about some aspect of Ruby and/or Rails, but we’re also interested in software craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, eliminating software bloat, and lots of other stuff.

Location & Details
Drop by Meetup.com for meeting location & details. See you Saturday!

Regards,
Your Organizer Team

Lightning Talks vs. Lightning Bugs

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is really a large matter — it’s the difference between a lightning bug and lightning.

  - Mark Twain

Our December 20, 2008 meeting will feature lightning talks & code. Bring your toughest Ruby on Rails problem and we’ll attack the problem as a group. The meeting will start with 5-minute lightening talks followed by an intense collaboration session. If we don’t solve the problem, we’ll at least make a dent in it!

Be sure to drop by Meetup.com to RSVP. See you there!