What Does WatzThis? Do?
WatzThis? is an unusual company.
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll shed some light on just what it is we do, how we do it, and why.
What is WatzThis?
First and foremost, WatzThis? is an experiment. We’re attempting to create a business that works well while minimizing work and maximizing freedom and creativity.
If we had to choose a business category (as happens sometimes when filling out paperwork for the government), it would be “educational content development.”
What are we up to?
We created and teach 2 ongoing online courses through Ed2Go: Creating Mobile Apps with HTML5 and Achieving Top Search Engine Positions. New classes begin every 6 weeks. Clicking the links above will give you access to the first lesson.
We are in the final stages of writing a book about JavaScript (Coding with JavaScript for Dummies). It will be released in May, through Wiley Publishing. We’re also working with O’Reilly Media on a video course about mobile app development (Designing, Developing, and Deploying Mobile Web Apps). We’re starting on a reference eBook (Hip Pocket Guide to HTML), and within the next couple weeks, we’ll be starting work on a children’s book. We’re looking forward to talking more about that once the contract is signed.
We also publish this newsletter. The goal of The Abecedarian is to provide inspiration and information and to further develop what we learn about learning, teaching, and starting a business in a sincere and natural way.
How do you do it all?
We sometimes work strange and long hours, but we aren’t tied to 9 to 5. We value breaks, vacations, weekends, days off, and not working when there’s nothing to do.
We focus on just a few big projects at a time. We value partnership and collaboration over taking credit or assigning blame.
How’s it working?
It’s going well! We’re busy! We’ve become incredibly productive writers. We’re pushing the edges of our skills, and we’re learning new things about life, collaboration, and what the meaning of a successful business is.
Why?
Our goal is to build a business that works for us, rather than one that we just work for. We also hope to feel proud of the work we do and to provide valuable content that improves the lives of our readers and students in some way.
Watz Next?
In the months ahead, we’ll be writing and publishing more books, videos, and online courses. We’ll also continue to write this newsletter every week.
Do you have ideas about things that you’d like to read about in this newsletter? Write to us and let us know! Thank you for reading!