This is a submission for the 2026 WeCoded Challenge: Echoes of Experience
Over the last year, It recently shed light to me that I want to share that is overlooked, especially in any career and no one pointed out.
I recently had severe OCD back in August and it prevented me from using my devices. As a result, I was lock in boredom where I couldn't do anything.
- I can't code
- I can't build projects
- Job Hunting is out of the question
However, it showed me that I should have expect, but never got to it.
It was spending time with others.
It is obvious that life is too short and we should cherish on others as much as we can. However, we are so busy in our lives that we have not got the chance to be with the one's we loved. I know that a developer career takes a lot of time because we have to keep up with tech and continue to build projects, though we never got the chance to socialize.
The Time it Changed
Recently, I came across this short that genuinely made me cry:
It reminded me that I rarely have chances to be with those that helped me on my journey. This short felt like I was intentionally robbing them, which is not the case. Of course, if someone has helped you, you want to return the favor. I felt like that I have not done that.
What hurt the most is on Dev.to. Yes, this platform is an inclusive space and everyone is really supportive. But it just so to happen recently that there was some expectation I fail to meet and that it was my fault.
One case is that I recently made a Tutorial Guide to engage with the community on Dev.to. When I was replying to everyone's comment, there was one that stood out to me:
This trigger this feeling that I need to be responsible for everyone on Dev.to because I don't want to think that them posting their articles and not getting engagement in some way is a robbery of their time.
As a result, I started to look at other people's activity on Dev.to. One person that stood out is @bingkahu, who is part of my DEVengers Org.
I notice he post consistently, but haven't got any engagement from the community whatsoever. It made me genuinely sad because he put so much effort into posting consistently, but haven't receive anything from the community. I felt guilty that he is part of my organization, but haven't interacted with him. As a result, I decided to apologize in one of the Weekly Challenges he has done with this comment:
If anything, please give some love to him and give him challenges!
Another person in mind is @jarvisscript
He has been on Dev.to for 9 Years. Very impressive indeed!
However, I notice he too also not get a lot of engagement. I decided to post on one of this weekly posts:
What Point am I Making?
The point is to check up with each other. There will be a time where we won't be on Dev.to much longer and we will move on from our lives, wherever it takes us. The whole goal is trying to make this place a memorable place and is not something where we join Dev.to just to check off in our TODO list. It is the whole reason why I created the guide on Dev.to to begin with:
I want everyone to feel inclusive and not leaving anyone in the dust. Every time I see an article with no engagement, I felt responsible and genuinely sad. It made me take initiative because I don't want others to feel loneliness.
What can you do?
Here are some things we can do!
If you see a user that gets no engagement, be the Icebreaker!
If you see a post on the #discuss tag or any post, leave a genuine comment! This platform's goal is to help one another and we need to show that! It can be tiring sure, but if we all do it, it would be the most inclusive community we can achieve and that is something worth remembering. As a bonus, we may even get the IceBreaker badge!
Welcome Threads!
I took a break from replying to every single comment in the Welcome Threads and I notice that most of the comments doesn't get any welcome responses. Most cases it's just me and Richard Pascoe replying and welcoming everyone to Dev.to. If you can, for every welcome thread, leave a reply at least one person that does not have any replies and welcome them to Dev.to!
If possible, refer back to my article on the Dev.to guide if you can! The goal is to make the best user friendly guide on Dev.to and it would help if we can share it to others!
Thanks for Reading
I just want to share this since I have been feeling guilty and responsible for not being inclusive enough recently. I know I can't do this along since it is tiring, which is the reason I asked everyone if they can do this. It will be greatly appreciated! Now, let me ask you this:
Are you doing okay?
Top comments (12)
Wow, such a simple and unique concept. You always come up with simple yet amazing ideas.
Hi @francistrdev. How you been doing. Just checking up on you. I know you recently lost a friend who just quitted Dev.to. I hope you are well and working on your ideas.
I just wanted to let you know "You are amazing person and an awesome writer". Your articles always leave viewer with a knowledgable insight. I want to see you grow and attend a seminar held by Dev.to where their amazing writer share their experience and expertise. I wanted to talk to you and learn from you as I was scrolling through Forem github and working on the issues. I ran into installation issues and you were the first person to come to my mind due to your post on What's your win where your first pr was accepted.
You always comment on other people's posts and encourage them and also guide the new users through your guide and welcoming them in introduction. You are person that gives big brother vibes that whenever I'm in trouble, let's ask Francis for advice.
Thank you being so amazing and creating such valuable content. You matter and always keep shining and helping others in need. Thank you for being so awesome and congrats on your wins.
Ran through all your hurdles like this girl with car.
Yeah this is the most great thing that we supposed to check on each other tho, so please I'm new here and I'm looking for someone that'll learn me web design ****please 🙏
Hey @konark_13! I appriciate you taking the time to check up on me! I appreciate it!
Richard leaving Dev.to was heartbreaking for me since it has been years since I made a connection online and it was quite genuine since we both helped each other grow on this platform. Richard leaving made me feel lonely since it made me want to honor him by keep on growing on this platform and my career.
I am glad my content has helped you in many ways and always part of your choice to come here to seek advice, especially when you mentioned "I ran into installation issues and you were the first person to come to my mind due to your post on What's your win where your first pr was accepted". I am grateful!
Just want to clarify: "scrolling through Forem github and working on the issues". Are you currently contributing?
Other than that, I am grateful and happy that my articles helped you on Dev.to! I appreciate the support and wish you well on your journey as well!
Keep it up and nice Gif lmao xd
It takes little effort to reach out and check in with others, but the positive consequences can often be huge. I try to interact with a diversity of posts and in the welcome thread but I feel like I could do more of it. Thanks for sharing this message and for the reminder.
Thanks Julien! It does take effort whether you do it manually or try to make a bot. But even that takes work and we know which one is better lol
I noticed you also took the time to reply on many posts, which is great! I am hoping we all do it so we don't get a feeling of "one man army". Thanks again and hope you are well :D
Agree, it would be great to have even more people interacting with each other!
I am doing well by the way, thanks for asking, hope you too :)
Yeah this is the most great thing that we supposed to check on each other tho, so please I'm new here and I'm looking for someone that'll learn me web design please 🙏****
Yeah this is the most great thing that we supposed to check on each other tho, so please I'm new here and I'm looking for someone that'll learn me web design please 🙏****
😊 Hey dev fam! 👋 New here and looking to level up my website design skills. Anyone willing to share their expertise or point me in the right direction? 🙏 #WebDesign #NewbieInTown****
Hey Omoniyi! Thanks for your comment! I recommend checking out this resource and start small first. I notice you don't have any post yet and I believe this is a great starting point:
Just a side note to not copy/paste the same comment throughout this comment section. It would be best to leave one comment and they will respond to you. Leaving the same comment multiple times can lead to others thinking you are a robot and be ignored.
Other than that, Thanks!
Ohh thanks understand
Yeah this is the most great thing that we supposed to check on each other tho, so please I'm new here and I'm looking for someone that'll learn me web design please 🙏