[2019] Google Season of Docs + Finding and choosing an open source project

Check out my class, "Tech Writing for Non-Writers", and get Skillshare Premium free for 2 months: skl.sh/2HsFxzF
Resources mentioned in the video:
Google Season of Docs:
developers.google.com/season-...
opensource.googleblog.com/201...
My favorite project boards and posts:
up-for-grabs.net/#/
Dev.to
List of docs issues on GitHub:
github.com/search?p=10&q=need...
Mike’s Blog post:
mikemcquaid.com/2018/03/19/op...
Cover Letter Snippets:
github.com/mattcheah/cover-le...
#SeasonOfDocs #opensource #technicalwriting

[@AmrutaRanade]

I am so excited for Google Season of Docs and Writing Day at the WTD conferences! Comment below and let me know if you are participating in either of the events (or any other open source event). Also tell me your favorite strategies/tips to find and choose an open source project :)

[@sonamrathore2358]

Sent you a request on LinkedIn

[@chauhankiran5155]

English language is metter

[@tavaresaudrey]

Hey Amruta, I am participating in Season of Docs as a tech writer and am also sharing your excitement! My mentors have already been in touch too :) Thanks for mentioning it on here and I look forward to hearing about your mentoring experience (also you gave me confidence to make my first open source contribution on Github so thank you!).

[@AmrutaRanade]

@@tavaresaudrey Congratulations! And thanks for sharing with me -- totally made my day :)

[@CodeSadhu]

Really cool video! I've written an article on medium, but I'm not a technical writer in the sense that I've not made any open source contributions yet. I'm looking forward to participating in this year's summer of docs. Any tips would be super appreciated. Also, I have some doubts, but I see no email address provided in your channel's about section, so please tell me how to reach you.

[@tavaresaudrey]

Hey Amruta, I just wanted to say as someone just starting out in the field, I really appreciate your videos. I'm finding it a bit intimidating to start contributing to open-source projects, so I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your vids and gain some confidence :)

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hi Audrey! I am glad you are finding the videos helpful. Contributing to open source projects _is_ intimidating, so don't stress yourself out about it. Take it one step at a time, approach it with a trial-and-error mindset, and be kind to yourself :)

[@jerrelltaylor1665]

Thank you for sharing your information about using open source as a way to build a portfolio. This is the first that I have heard of Season of Docs. I will take a look at it and find out what would be a best fit for me.

[@christopherbrooke5980]

Your efforts are really appreciated, mam. Great Work. Looking forward to seeing more videos. Loved it!

[@kusumajogur1420]

Oh my God...you are really an angel....currently in lockdown and on maternity leave ... want to change career to technical writing but dint knoww how to begin... and I'm so happy that I can still participate in Google seasons of doc 2020... I'm so glad I haven't missed the timeline .... thank you...😌😘

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the content was helpful! 😊

[@yashaswinisargur4535]

Your videos are helpful and a great effort from your end! Thank you!

[@kunalmahajan7761]

Hello Amruta, I was searching through Google Programs and stuff and I came across your video. Really Glad to find something so interesting :D. Your video was so cool for an intro especially the background tune :) . I believe I can write on a technical topic too. Do we need to write an article or a blog about that topic?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Google Season of Docs program is to help tech writers contribute to open source projects. The topics and formats vary for each organization participating in the program. You can find more info here: developers.google.com/season-of-docs/

[@saylimulay1988]

Hi Amruta, I will be participating in the Season of Docs. I plan to work on Hydra Ecosystem.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Thanks for your interest! You can find info about writing a proposal and submitting the application here: developers.google.com/season-of-docs/docs/tech-writer-guide

[@sashithafonseka]

Hi Amruta. So when it comes to GSoD as far as the knowledge we need to have on a particular programming language for a given project, to what extent do we need to know ? will a basic understanding suffice ? or should we be completely thorough ?

[@sashithafonseka]

This is important when it comes to selecting the project isn't it ?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hi Sashitha! I don't think thorough knowledge about a programming language would be a requisite - or at least it shouldn't be. Feel free to discuss it with the project mentors. This is the first year of the program, so I think everyone (the project organizers, mentors, and participants) are figuring out the expectations and requirements. Your input will help them set their expectations as well.

[@sashithafonseka]

​Alright Amruta ! Thank you for the reply and your great content as always !! looking forward for the rest of the series :D

[@avijain9902]

Hello ma'am..i have always loved writing..technical and non-tech, i like expressing things with words and i would really like to work with you for gsod 2020.. and yes your videos are really inspiring

[@AmrutaRanade]

Thank you! Glad you find the videos inspiring :) I am not sure I will have the bandwidth to mentor a Season of Docs project this year, but I will at least try to make videos to help tech writers prep and participate in the program :)

[@kumarsumant2878]

Hi Amruta, Since the season of docs is over for now. Do you have any other open-source platform recommendations?

[@kumarsumant2878]

actually, I found your blog. thanks for that.

[@waellerbe]

Hello @Amruta Ranade - I signed in to read about the Season of Docs project. At this point in time, I am hopeful that I will still have a chance to participate in the opportunity. Thank you for sharing this information with us. I love to write about technology, and I see a future as a Technical Writer.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Oh, Season of Docs is almost over for this year, but you can participate next year! Here's more info about the timeline: developers.google.com/season-of-docs/docs/timeline

[@tayalmanan28]

Hi Amruta, Does this program have any pre-requisites?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Umm..depends on what you consider pre-requisites. For example, the organizers stated that prior technical writing experience is preferred, but not required. Did you have other prerequisites in mind?

[@confuseduck227]

Hey ma'am, I wanted to know how will this help me if I wish to contribute to open source code, as I'm an undergrad student in CSE are there any chances that I would be able to contribute to GSoC via this? How will help me out and out? If you can tell me :)

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hey! Season of Docs is different from GSoC. As far as I know, Season of Docs won't help you contribute code.

[@PCJ2507]

Hello Amruta! Thank you for putting together this video. This information is so helpful . I hope to participate in 2020 Google Season of Docs. Hope you can mentor me if needed

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moga1182]

Hello Mam Can I ask u favor can u guide me for Gsoc 2021 plz mam it's an request can u be mentor for that..?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Unfortunately, I have no idea how GSoC works since it's a completely different program than Season of Docs.

[@moga1182]

Do u have any friends who can help me in this?

[@AmrutaRanade]

@@moga1182 I don't think any of my friends participate in GSoC. Sorry!

[@ayasnayak]

Hi Amruta need help and guidance from you. Need to create a programmers guide and api/SDK documentation. But have not done till now but now I have to do it as our company needs it 😂. Kindly help me and the community by throwing your valuable views and experience on this topic

[@AmrutaRanade]

Check out idratherbewriting.com/learnapidoc/

[@ayasnayak]

@@AmrutaRanade Didn't expect such a quick reply 👍👍👍👍👍👍. Big fan of your work. Keep it up and help us all 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@subhajitmondal5924]

Madam I want to work with you in Season of Docs

[@AmrutaRanade]

The application window is now open. You can find more details at developers.google.com/season-of-docs/

[@sonamrathore2358]

Hi amruta. Wanted some guidance on technical writing. I have followed you on Instagram as well and left a message for you there. Is it possible if we can connect for the same

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hi Sonam..I don't use Instagram's messaging feature, so missed your message. Sorry! The best way to connect would be on LinkedIn or Twitter.

[@sonamrathore2358]

@@AmrutaRanade sure. I will . On LinkedIn

[@sonamrathore2358]

@Amruta Ranade , sent you a request on LinkedIn.