On my WordPress blog I ran a plugin called Download Monitor which allowed me to create download ids that could be inserted via short tags. When I updated a download version, any mention of it throughout the site would be updated to show the latest version and link to the most recent download package. I needed something similar on my Jekyll blog to keep things up to date. The following system is geared toward Jekyll but the concept could be adapted to any static blog.
jekyll
Markdown can be a great tool for maintaining large documentation projects of any kind. There are simple and not-so-simple ways to create the output, but the basic idea is always to maintain the source documents in Markdown format. It provides an easy way to update and maintain multiple output formats and a centralized repository of information that’s easily shared, community editable and ready to pass on to new participants.
markdown
Jean MacDonald joined me this week on Systematic to talk about girls with guitars, girls building apps and Markdown for the masses. TextExpander talk ensued, of course, as well as the always-fun Top 3 picks of the week from both of us.
podcast, systematic
In Chrome and Safari I disable external URLS for iTunes and the Mac App Store to avoid the apps opening every time I look up an app. In Safari I use No More iTunes, and in Chrome I just disable external links of those types using the built-in security tools. However, I sometimes do want to open iTunes or the MAS, which can be cumbersome — especially in Chrome — if the process is disabled.
itunes, macappstore, service
Update: I’ve added code to the plugin to take the width and height and calculate the necessary intrinsic ratio for the embed and insert the necessary CSS inline. This prevents the need for any JavaScript solutions on different aspect ratio embeds. Thanks to Andrew Clark for the tip.
jekyll, liquid, tagging
Yesterday I covered how I’m handling scheduling with my Jekyll-based blog. The command I mentioned there could be used in tandem with any static blogging system. Today I’m dropping in the “publish” task from my Rakefile, so you can see how I apply it specifically with Jekyll. The concepts are still portable, though.
jekyll, rake
After my downloads system was sorted (post coming up) and I had a writing workflow worked out, my big concern with my Jekyll system was scheduling future posts. I tend to write in streaks and, given that very little of my work is exactly time sensitive, spread the posts out to make up for the days I decide to sleep in my free time. That’s a little harder to do with static blogs.
jekyll, terminal
Update: It turns out it’s not my custom keybinding that made this work. Apparently it was already there and just happened to be bound to the same key I was experimenting with. You don’t need to do anything… the tip is really just that Command-Shift-Option-S already is the old Save As behavior. There, saved you some trouble!
keybindings, macos, productivity
Of the hours I’ve been awake over the last couple of days, I’ve spent about 15 of them reading resumes and applications for the current Engadget/AOL Tech front end web developer position. I’d like to share some advice regarding applying for jobs.
productivity
This week’s guest on Systematic was Mike Rohde of SketchNotes fame. I had a chance to see him at work during An Event Apart Minneapolis, so it was fun to get a chance to talk about the origins and techniques behind the methods. If you’re not sure what sketchnoting is, check out Sketchnote Army and Mike’s book on the subject. Hint: use coupon code “SKETCHNOTE” for a bargain.
podcast, systematic
