Government forms are notoriously awful! Good thing The Lab @ DC set out to redesign and re"form"at them! We could all learn from their example. Plus, some meta-analysis about my last post #WeWillNotBeErased. Come for the puns, stay for the learning!
#WeWillNotBeErased – a mandate for database admins and survey researchers
The federal government's plan to define sex as "either male or female" and "unchangeable" is not only a measure of social control, but also a question of data collection and retention. In this post, best practices on *when* and *how* to collect data on gender identity and sex or sexual orientation. And a bunch of thoughts about erasure, coming out, and our political regime.
mixed messages
On one hand, data skills are impossible to learn (and we blame the individual). On the other hand, companies tell us that advanced coding skills are easy to develop, 1, 2, 3! How can these be true at the same time? Who benefits from these messages? It's classic capitalism doublespeak: make non-data people feel insignificant and intimidated, then sell us a solution to our problem. I call BULLSHIT on these dynamics and offer 8 tips for wrangling a sloppy spreadsheet that you can use right away!
far afield
Reflecting on what database managing and farming have to do with each other. Come for the puns, stay for the data tips!
5 days in 5 minutes
How to filter a list based on another list, featuring one of my favorite data tools... the VLOOKUP! Plus, some examples for how this tool can be used for political organizing, and the "pull rabbit out of the hat" meme makes another appearance.
How can data promote interfaith solidarity?
On a pragmatic level, I offer 6.5 concrete ideas for interfaith solidarity in databases. On a conceptual level, I explore how databases built to promote religious tolerance can lead to behavioral change. What else is possible if we build systems that accommodate and celebrate the fabulous diversity of our communities? Thanks to colleague and mentor Andy Kirshner from IFYC for exploring these ideas with me over dumplings and bubble tea (the way to my heart!)
the spreadsheet whisperer is alright!
Life update! I moved in with my partner! Introducing... some spreadsheets I'm using to set up our kitchen, including The Spreadsheet Whisperer's kitchen supply reccos and Weekly Meal Planning. Read on for all that, and more....
P.O.C.
Technical.ly is featuring technologists of color this month (don't forget to nominate people!) I used this as an opportunity to do some research on gender and racial equity in the tech industry (spoiler alert - there's not much reputable data out there, sadface). Plus, some resources to help you learn about historic and contemporary AWESOME, accomplished Technologists of Color!
strawberry shortcut cake
I wanted to share a set of tips that could supercharge ANY spreadsheet maker's work. So what could be better than SHORTCUTS? For repetitive functions, selecting cells, and navigating around a spreadsheet, keyboard shortcuts will make a heck of a difference. Here are 5 Excel shortcuts you shouldn't live without!
There’s something I’d like to address
Address management can have as many pitfalls as Philadelphia streets have potholes! In this post, I explore best practices for keeping track of addresses, thanks to many of YOU! for writing in with questions to Dear Spreadsheet Whisperer.
