What is Useful, Anyway?
What makes a newsletter useful? Plus: accessibility testing tips, disability employment stats, and why training alone won't fix ableism.
Happy October, folks!
I've struggled with writing this newsletter since I launched Ethical Methods. I wrote one week of posts leading up to launch that included a lot of vulnerable material. I don't think I had much in terms of expectations, but I am thankful for the folks who subscribed to this space. I know it's the age of newsletters and getting signal through the noise is tough.
I wonder how many of you saw the welcome email (one of the few automations I've ever had for my content). Was it lost in the noise of everything else? Or did it go to spam? Why didn't you respond to my questions? Was it because they were "below the fold?" Or just not appealing? (Please let me know by replying to this email.)
These are all things I'm struggling with as I learn how to engage with you, so I welcome your input and feedback. I'd love to discuss how you're managing the current environment. Let me know if you’d like to set up a time to chat.
One of my goals is sharing useful information and resources. The question I want you to answer for me is, "what is useful, anyway?" I have thoughts and assumptions, but you, dear audience, are the ones I'm trying to help—so what do you need help with?
Enough rambling, already!
I started writing this after midnight—I had a small burst of energy and decided to process some action-oriented emails I'd signed up for—mostly "how to run an effective newsletter" or "how to succeed at service business" coaching emails (Nick D, Kai Davis).
The reason I reveal all of this is that I'm curious. What sticks? What works? What do you want to see?
I started this business and newsletter in the hopes of helping people make better choices about the tech and services they use—to consider the impact of their decisions. Just this week, I learned about the impact of Microsoft's data centers in Mexico, and it was heartbreaking. I can't stand to see this planet and humans suffering for no good reason.
"When Microsoft opened a data center in central Mexico last year, nearby residents said power cuts became more frequent. Water outages, which once lasted days, stretched for weeks. The shortages led to school cancellations and the spread of stomach bugs…"
— The New York Times
So I'm using this space to call out harm where I see it and advocate for the good stuff. The progress in accessibility and inclusion. The good work of dedicated folks who are overcoming barriers to publish, to work, to make a difference.
Here are a few things worth checking out.
Testing Methods: Reflow by Dennis Deacon
Have you ever experienced content that made you scroll horizontally to read fully? This is often a result of content templates or embeds that are not tested. When you create content, zoom into at least 400% and see what happens. Watch what happens at each zoom level. In most browsers, you can quickly zoom in by tapping CTRL + or Command +. This will let you see what it might look like to someone using screen magnifiers.
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It's National Disability Employment Awareness Month
I learned this from Jacob Wood, whose newsletter you should also check out. This quote from his post stood out to me:
"In 2024, the employment-population ratio for people with disabilities in the U.S. was 22.7%, compared to 65.5% for those without disabilities. The unemployment rate for disabled workers stood at 7.5%, nearly double the 3.8% rate for nondisabled workers."
Wow. Those numbers are terrible! Think about this when you're hiring and share this with your network. Raising awareness is key, and you can make a difference. Specifically, check out Jacob's descriptions of the pros and cons of the gig economy for disabled workers.
Jacob closes with a call to action: "support disabled creators, consultants, and freelancers directly. Hire them. Subscribe to their newsletters. Pay for their work. Advocate for fair treatment."
That's how we can celebrate NDEAM and expand access.
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Why training is never the solution to ableist behavior
Another excellent newsletter on accessibility from Sheri Byrne-Haber.
"Changing behavior is work; sometimes hard work because the first thing change requires is acknowledging the way you had previously been acting was wrong."
"The problem is that systems that don't support accessibility or inclusion let these activities fail with no consequence."
—
Calm and Cool Stuff
Radiccio Music Player (Mac Only)
"I wanted to go back to a simpler time. I wanted a music app that gives me easy access to my music—organized the way I want—and provides a comfortable, peaceful environment to listen to it." Word!Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned in support of U.S. public TV stations—Good vibes
Basic Income for Artists Scheme to become permanent—Awesome. More of this, please.
☮️❤️
– Brian