This month, we read and discussed Badass: Making Users Awesome by Kathy Sierra.

Among the long list of topics covered, we talked about applying the book's formula to the team's projects. One of Sierra's points is that to create badass users we need to guide them to become experts in the larger context of the specific tool or product we provide. According to Sierra, this is essential to creating power users, gaining repeat visitors/readers, loyal customers, etc.

We also talked about applying the book's formula to teaching and learning in general. Sierra's approach encourages teaching in an incremental/progressive manner, working towards the student's personal goals, avoiding extrinsic and favoring intrinsic awards for high performance.

Next Month

Our next Hangout will be Wednesday, June 10th at 1 p.m. ET.

Take this quick survey by the end of the day, Thursday, May 21, and we'll announce the selection on Friday, May 22. You can also have a look at our reading list and add titles you would like us to consider for future meetings.

Follow @newsnerdbooks for the announcement of next month's book next Friday and for details on the hangout. Hope to see you there!