hmc_site_source/content/english/about/index.md

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About Handmade Cities	About	about	About Handmade Cities	false	title title_class image side bg_img grid About Handmade Cities text-center text-white center parallax img true /images/starry_night.png title content color content_class Sponsor-free tech events We reject sponsorship deals because we must be allowed to criticize anyone’s software. Accepting “free” bags of money destroys our ability to change the industry. #FC6D36 text-white title content color content_class An obligation to software quality The industry’s incentives are about imposing control and fleecing customers. We’ve abandoned the user’s quality of experience, agency over their software, and privacy. #A456EA text-white title content color content_class Self-host wherever possible Anything essential to our conferences is processed in-house. E.g. When you register for an event we personally handle the process to generate your ticket—removing spying middlemen like Ticketmaster. #6B8EE8 text-white title content color content_class Healthy expansion As a [polyglot](https://vimeo.com/661662233), our founder intends to expand even outside the United States. Since we wish to retain independence, however, we’re only growing through increased audience support. #60E3C4 text-white title title_class subtitle subtitle_class image bg_color content_class content Abner Coimbre text-white Founder text-[#F7CE3B] /images/people/abner_2022.png #060610 text-white [Abner](https://abnercoimbre.com) is the founder of Handmade Cities and sole organizer for our conferences.<br>His professional story began when he left Puerto Rico for a yearlong internship at NASA. Abner was mentored on how they make software and after winning NASA’s Intern of the Year, he published an essay on their programming philosophy ([featured](https://observer.com/2017/07/a-look-into-nasa-coding-philosophy-kennedy-space-center-programming/) in the news.) He was promoted to launch control engineers.<br><br>Abner also started the [Handmade Network](https://handmade.network/), an online community learning to make quality software. He went on to work for Jonathan Blow multiple years and then Cyan Worlds to help ship the [Myst remake](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1255560/Myst/).<br><br>His concern of declining standards—both ethical and technical—pushed Abner to run tech conferences full-time, with ironclad conviction that we need independent organizers more than ever. title title_class subtitle subtitle_class bg_color image content_class content Morgan Rammell text-white Event Coordinator text-[#F7CE3B] #060610 /images/people/morgan-scaled.jpeg text-white Morgan’s done corporate event planning for several years but is now interested in the indie space. She oversees the logistics of running and facilitating Handmade conferences, working with the venue to solve any issues that arise in real-time.<br> Born and raised in Washington state you’ll find Morgan snowboarding, hiking, camping, and even rock-climbing! title title_class subtitle subtitle_class bg_color image content_class content Phil Homan text-white Technical Producer text-[#F7CE3B] #060610 /images/people/phil_homan.jpg text-white Phil Homan, who goes by [PH Test](https://phtest.tv/), is a Seattle developer with a knack for multidisciplinary work: live-performance visuals, experimental programs, games, and video production—often with tools he made himself!<br> Phil joined Handmade Cities to help Abner with matters related to streaming, recording, and A/V support at the conferences. title title_class subtitle subtitle_class bg_color image content_class content Devon (tek256) text-white Editor text-[#F7CE3B] #060610 /images/people/devon.jpg text-white Devon, who goes by [tek256](https://tek256.com/), is a talented freelance game developer. A Washington native, his interests go beyond video games which include editing video and audio as well as playing professional DJ at local events and parties.<br>Devon joined the staff to assist with editing content: trailers, podcasts, talks, and more.