The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

The legacy of CSS-Tricks (Interview)

Aug 5, 2022

Chris Coyier, founder of CSS-Tricks, shares his journey from a personal blog to a major community-driven platform. He discusses the significance of CSS-Tricks in web development, reflecting on its acquisition by DigitalOcean. Coyier highlights the challenges of transitioning ownership while maintaining legacy and trust. The conversation also dives into the evolution of online communities and the emotional landscape of content creation, emphasizing the importance of supportive networks in fostering growth within the tech landscape.

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ANECDOTE

Podcast Milestones

Chris Coyier congratulates The Changelog team on reaching 500 episodes.
He compares it to his own podcast, ShopTalk Show, reaching a similar milestone.

ADVICE

Persistence Over Metrics

Chris Coyier advises against giving up too early on projects.
He believes persistence is key, even when faced with challenges.

INSIGHT

Podcast Episode Count Dilemma

High episode counts can be a double-edged sword for podcasts.
While signaling experience, it may also intimidate new listeners.

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Episode 500!!! And it has been a journey! Nearly 13 years ago we started this podcast and as of today (this episode) we’ve officially shipped our 500th episode. As a companion to this episode, Jerod and Adam shipped a special Backstage episode where they reflect on 500 episodes. And…not only has it been a journey for us, but it’s also been a journey for our good friend Chris Coyier and CSS-Tricks — which he grew from his personal blog to a massively popular contributor driven model, complete with an editor-in-chief, a wide array of influential contributors, and advertisers to help fund the way. The news, of course, is that CSS-Tricks was recently acquired by DigitalOcean in March of 2022. We get into all the details of this deal, his journey, and the legacy of CSS-Tricks.

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Featuring:

Chris Coyier – Website, GitHub, X
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!