A “Joel Test” for Coders in the Newsroom?
A while back, someone, somewhere (probably on twitter) pointed me to the Joel Test for software shops.
After reading it a few times, I got to thinking we could really use something like this for newsrooms who have or need programmers. But what to include? Here’s a few initial thoughts:
- Do you use version control?
- Do coders come into regular contact with reporters and editors?
- Can reporters and editors easily and accurately describe what coders do?
- Do you have a development environment and access to servers?
- Do coders have the software, hardware and admin access necessary to build things?
- Do you test? (unit tests? benchmarks? usability?)
- Do you debrief?
What else would you add?
(A lot of this comes from Brian Boyer’s excellent list of best practices, which you should also read)
2 Answers
Relates to 2.) & 3.):
When there is interaction between reporter/editors and coders, is it because the reporter/editor has mistaken the coder for tech support (i.e., they're looking for help getting their e-mail to work)?!
Okay, now that that's out the way, great topic Chris!
I would add:
• Do coders ever attend budget meetings?
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Similar to Heasly's "budget meeting" answer ...
- Do coders have input on a project's evolution, or are they expected to just fulfill the written requirements?
- Does the newsroom have a solid understanding of what can and can't be done in a reasonable time frame?
- Are coders brought in at the beginning of an enterprise project/feature brainstorming session? Towards the beginning? Before requirements are set in stone?
- Is there some level of management that is can "speak" to both editors and programmers?
- Who is brought in at various points of the iteration process? Is the feedback loop too long, or are there too many cooks in the kitchen?
- Do editors and coders ever meet and interact outside of project meetings?
- Does the staff understand the difference between development and IT?
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