Jason reveals a snail mail programming newsletter you can read without staring at a screen.
This episode features host Jason Swett introducing his unique physical newsletter, Nonsense Monthly, to his developer audience. He is joined by guest Joel Drapper, a software engineer and creator known for his work on the Ruby static analysis tool RuboCop. The conversation centers on the value of disconnecting from digital content and the philosophy behind creating a tangible programming publication.
Jason explains that his newsletter is a physical, mailed paper publication designed to be read away from a screen. He lists content topics ranging from object-oriented programming and testing to philosophy, economics, and farming. The newsletter is described as technology-agnostic, covering both technical and diverse non-programming subjects. Joel Drapper discusses his motivations for contributing and the appeal of analog formats in a digital world. They explore the tactile experience of reading physical media and its contrast with typical online developer content. The episode details the practical process of curating, printing, and mailing the newsletter. Jason shares feedback from a reader named Helmut Kobler from Los Angeles, who received and enjoyed the publication.
A key insight is the argument that traditional digital newsletters contribute to screen fatigue after a full workday. The concept of a "snail mail programming newsletter" is presented as a deliberate alternative to ubiquitous online content. The hosts find value in blending niche programming topics with broad, interdisciplinary subjects in one physical package. The act of reading a paper newsletter in varied, relaxed settings like a couch or bed is highlighted as a benefit. Joel Drapper's involvement underscores the interest among tooling developers in unconventional community projects. The reader testimonial provides a concrete example of the newsletter's reach and personal impact.
The tone is conversational, promotional, and lightly humorous, directly addressing the listener. The style is informal and descriptive, focusing on the newsletter's concept and contents.
Developers feeling digital burnout or interested in offline hobbies and interdisciplinary learning would enjoy this episode. Listeners seeking highly technical, tutorial-focused content or news on specific frameworks might find it less relevant.
