Wireless/Bluetooth Headphones ?

[nelsonic]

Why?

I've been openly skeptical about Wireless Headphones in the past because I've bought a few pairs over the years and they've either been uncomfortable, had poor sound quality or terrible battery life ... but @sohilpandya, @ivanmauricio, @jackcarlisle and @nikhilaravi convinced me to re-consider...

And my conclusion from wearing a set of Bluetooth Headphones for the past 8 hours of coding/work/house-chores/etc. is that they are

(So) What? ...

I'm offering each person in DWYL a pair of their choice of Wireless/Bluetooth Headphones as a Thank You for being awesome and helping each other learn/build useful things in 2016!

If you don't already have a pair, and would like a pair of Bluetooth headphones, and will use them, then please see the How? section below for how to #GetInvolved!

I was personally exceptionally blessed in 2016. worked a couple of really good client contracts with great people! ❤️ ✅ 🎉
So I'm sharing my good fortune with the team!

I realise that I'm risking being perceived as "excessively generous" to the point of "ostentation" ... I prefer to think of it as "distributing luck"! It's my treat to celebrate a fantastic 2016 and ensure 2017 gets off to sound-filled start! 👍 Ostentation is renting a Bentley for the weekend, driving down to Monaco, going to "the club" (or casino cocktail bar) and "Poppin' Bottles" of "Cristal" while live-blogging the experience on Instagram! (_which appears to be working quite well for Tai Lopez and his "new Lamborghini" 😆 ... but that's a whole other story..._ 📝 )

Headphones are a practical "now that" reward and will help people be more productive, healthy (wireless exercise/running!!) and feel ❤️ each time they use them...! (ticks all the boxes for a great gift idea!)

What's (the catch)...?

There's no catch. You just have to be a 'member of the dwyl team/community (see steps 2 & 3 below) and have contributed to one of our projects. simple right?

Note: there are a "Seven Steps" below, just to ensure I'm not sending out hundreds of pairs to the "takers" who just opened an issue to complain that code they got for free isn't working flawlessly (without adding any value) and didn't follow any of our contributing guide ... 😕

No-Strings Attached. (see what they did there...? 😜 )

This is a "now that" (i.e. "thank you!")
We aren't lending the headphones to you, it's a Gift; they're yours to keep! ALL I ask is that you follow .every() one of the "Seven Steps" below. I will include the receipt for the purchase so you have the 2 year warranty.

How? -> "Seven Steps" to participate:

1. re-tweet to show interest in the offer: https://twitter.com/nelsonic/status/810380956481814528
2. then ensure that your membership of dwyl is public on GitHub: If in doubt open your GitHub Profile in an Incognito Window and look for the DWYL logo in your list of Organisations: If you forgot to make your membership public, go to: https://github.com/orgs/dwyl/people "find yourself" and flip the switch! ❤️
3. if you aren't already on the list members.json, please send a Pull Request adding yourself! ✅
4. As a `member of dwyl team please ensure you have read and understood the contributing guide: https://github.com/dwyl/contributing and :star:-ed the repo to show you have read, understood and agreed to follow the process.
5. Next: Do your own research to find the best pair for your needs and Post a comment in this issue with the make & model and I will order them for you!
6. once you receive your pair, please put a dwyl sticker over the brand of the headphones (like the rest of the headphones in the office) so we aren't "showing off" the fact that we invest in "nice things" ... that's NOT what this is about! (ask @iteles for stickers... we may need to print more...)
7. (last-but-not-least you must) leave a review for your chosen set as a comment in this issue thread (with a "selfie" of yourself using them!) so that other people in the dwyl community know which headphones are good/great/bad/rubbish quality/value-for-money specifically cover the criteria of: comfort (during prolonged use), battery life and value-for-money (if you were spending your own cash ... which you kind of are because "what's mine is yours"!!)

Once you've stated your choice in a comment, I will order your set on my personal John Lewis account and they will get delivered to DWYLHQ office where you can each collect and enjoy! if you are one of our growing remote team we will use the address on your invoice (unless advised otherwise)

"Terms & Conditions" ?

1. You must follow each of the Seven Steps above. (if any of them is "onerous", please describe why you feel that way in a comment in this issue thread!)
2. no substitutions for alternative product (don't ask for "something else of equivalent value" this is a specific offer for aspecific tool to help you focus and enjoy music/podcasts/audiobooks!)
3. non-transferrable (don't take the offer and sell the set on eBay; fairly obvious, but need to make it clear in case this goes "viral"!...)

No Limits ...?

Provisionally, there is no limit on the price, but I'm trusting people to be sensible as there are expensive headphones which aren't really that good...! so just be pragmatic but don't limit yourself to "cheap-crappy" ones that you won't use because they're uncomfortable or the battery dies after five minutes and you can't use them while they're recharging...

The reason I'm deliberately not mentioning any makes/models of headphones is that I want to leave it up to each individual to decide which set they want.

Also, this offer applies retro-actively to ALL DWYL Alumni who shared in the fun so far irrespective of whether they are still actively contributing, as long as a contribution has been made!

// @TODO:

• [ ] Follow the "Seven Steps" unlock a Whole New World of Sound! :musical_note:
• [ ] Use & Enjoy your New Headphones! 🎶 ❤️
• [ ] Make Others feel Loved when ever you can. (the Golden Rule ...) ✅
• [ ] Pass on your "luck" whenever you get the chance to! :raised_hands:

[varjmes]

i have the Sony MDR-ZX770BN. the battery life is not amazing, and it doesn't warn you when it's running out, it just turns off. The noise cancelling is okay. It's not the same as the ones you listed above, but it's worth checking the reviews. I expect the 1000's have much better noise cancelling ;)

[varjmes]

my headphones arrived! looking forward to playing with them after work :)

[varjmes]

someone had to wave in my face to get my attention, I can hear so little with these on.

[JoseCage]

I do not know if I'm eligible to be one of the winners of this @dwyl great offer and depending on what the limit ($$ costs) I would choose:

Monster ROC Sport Freedom Wireless On-Ear Headphones With Built-In Mic,(Black) Price: £199.95

:link: More info

[nelsonic]

@Charlotteis sweet! 🍭 Blocking out the noise... 👍

[nelsonic]

@JoseCage you will be eligible v. soon! 🎉 We'll need to figure out how to ship them to you in Angola! 🤔

[JoseCage]

@nelsonic

DHL or FedEx is a great option. Or not?

Depending on your experience with both.

[katbow]

@nelsonic I couldn't get my headphones here, so getting this in now so they will hopefully arrive shortly after I'm back! Can I please follow suit and get the Bose QC35s? In black 🙂.

[nelsonic]

@katbow are you still in CA? try seeing if they are available in the airport (the will most likely be cheaper, I will reimburse you, but it means you get to start using them sooner e.g. on the flight!)

[katbow]

I just arrived back this morning!

[nelsonic]

@katbow OK. cool. (glad you made it back safely!) Your QC35's have been ordered. ❤️ ✅ 🎉

[NataliaLKB]

Hey @nelsonic! I am still not sure if I qualify as a member of dywl :thinking:. However, I am an avid supporter 🌟 !

So let me know if I do qualify. My dream headphones are the Sennheiser Momentum

[nelsonic]

@NataliaLKB not only do you "qualify", you are our "dream" team member! ❤️ #skills + #XP Stoked you've opted for something other than Bose ... Momentum headphones are sick! 👍 Please let us know if you prefer the "On Ear" or "Around Ear" version of Momentum? also color? ❓ Have you tried both in the store? Comfort over prolonged use is important. Let us know what you decide! ✅

[NataliaLKB]

😍 So exciting! I have tried them both on in store, and for me the "On Ear" is much more comfortable! And I love the look of the Ivory. I see that they are out of stock on that version on the website, but they have it available on other websites, and in store. I tried mine on at the St Pancras branch. I could buy it there if it is convenient for you?

[nelsonic]

@NataliaLKB if the exact model/color are "in stock" at your local branch, please get them and upload a photo of the receipt. I will transfer the funds to the bank account on your invoice. 👍

[andrewMacmurray]

@nelsonic I did some research and tested a few out and I'm gonna go with the Bose QC35s as well. They just sound so good (I feel like I'm in this sound bubble when I'm wearing them) and they're so comfortable! Would I be able to get them in black please? Hope you had a great Christmas and New Year! ✨🎉✨

[NataliaLKB]

@nelsonic I picked the headphones up a few days ago and have been wearing them non-stop! Loving them so much. I will gitter you the details now :)

This really is a very generous gift. Thank you!!! ❤️

[roryc89]

Hi @nelsonic I had great time with seeing the folks in London thanks :) Hope you and Ines had a lovely time in Portugal. The pick up option from waitrose worked great with Conor - very happy to go for that!

[samhstn]

I've been having an amazing time working at dwyl and can't believe this offering.

@iteles @nelsonic this is super generous of you.

I would love black Bose QC35s if the offer is still open

[nelsonic]

Hey @roryc89, the Sony's were out of stock on/at John Lewis:

So I ordered you some Beats instead. hope that's ok. 👍 LoL! I can just imagine your face... 🤣 Seriously though, ordered from Amazon instead:

They will be in the office on Monday when you arrive for our catch up! ❤️

[nelsonic]

@andrew, @RobStallion, @JMurphyWeb & @shouston3 I haven't "forgotten" you gents! The QC35 are out-of-stock on both John Lewis and Amazon right now. 😕

Given how many sets of these we need to order I've put in a request to Bose for a Bulk Order! 😮 Should hear back from them soon. Sorry you have to live with wires & noise for a bit longer... 😞 Hope you all have a great weekend! 👍

[andrewMacmurray]

no worries @nelsonic sounds like a much better idea to get them in bulk if you can

[samhstn]

No worries @nelsonic, thanks for the update

[jay-meister]

Thanks for the update @nelsonic. Too many people ordering Bose before us 😖

[RobStallion]

No problemo. Thanks for the heads up @nelsonic 👍

[jackcarlisle]

😎 😎

[jrans]

@nelsonic @iteles Thank you so much for what is a very kind offering to all of us! 😊

@/all I've now been at dwyl for a year and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The organisation is full of wonderful, wonderful people doing wonderful wonderful things and I'm very grateful for the opportunities to work with you. @iteles and @nelsonic are some of the kindest people I've ever met (evident from this issue!) and so glad to share lots of great memories (dwyl summer highlight of my year!) ❤️

I'm going to go for headphones which are a bit more me, i.e. less likely to kill me when I cycle with them. 🚴

Bose® SoundSport™ Pulse. Happy with the reviews and although couldn't try on in store (in ear) Mr. Dixons said they were best of kind. ✅

I promise I will make sure to Pass on your "luck" whenever you get the chance to! 🙌 .

Thanks! 🎉

[katbow]

Two for one! @andrewMacmurray

[nelsonic]

@jrans so stoked you told us what you wanted before going on your sabbatical to learn data science... Picked up your Bose® SoundSport™ Pulse yesterday from the store:

Along with a few other pairs for people we ❤️ ... 😉 Really hope you enjoy them and make the most of the opportunities in 2017!! (obviously we are going miss you dearly @DWYL!! but we're excited for all the new things you're going to learn and share, and look forward to hearing all about your adventures!!)

[nelsonic]

"Behind the scenes" of @jrans & @sohilpandya's headphone review video...

When "a picture is worth a thousand words:

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! ❤️ ✅ 🎧 💡 🚀

[sohilpandya]

So @nelsonic @jackcarlisle @shouston3 @katbow @andrew @RobStallion @JMurphyWeb

Would it be possible to borrow the headphones for a little while on Monday at 1pm? (want to do something in a video... 🙏)

[katbow]

You bet @sohilpandya

[jrans]

@nelsonic @iteles Really enjoying my headphones! Thank you so much, they are perfect. Waiting to go for a run with them and well post a post workout selfie! Looking forward to seeing the unboxing video @sohilpandya!

[sohilpandya]

@jrans Hope you enjoy this -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5umOPP7f2Y

@/all it was an impromptu unboxing but we loved it! ❤️ Jack is amazing!

[jrans]

@sohilpandya Nice editing! @nelsonic Does this count as review/pic of me wearing? hehe Still need to go for a run though!

[iteles]

❤️ this was so great @jrans @sohilpandya, I loved it! I think my favourite parts were 'Apple Airpods' flashing on the screen and the head bopping 😆 💃 😎

Lighting works surprisingly well too!

[harrygfox]

@iteles @nelsonic please may I has these Plantonics headphones? the reviews are pretty amazing!

[nelsonic]

❤️ U Fantastic Mr. @harrygfox ✨ You are one of the people who deserves most "credit" for DWYL's success!! 🦄 You have been instrumental in making so many project beautiful and intuitive! Thank You! 😍

Note: Plantronics Backbeat Pro were Unavailable on John Lewis:

So we ordered them from Amazon: Well done for doing your own research to find these! Hope they are as good as the reviews suggest!

P.S. I'm sure Sohil will be interested in helping you unbox & review these 📦 😮 so bring your DWYL T-Shirt on Monday... 😜

[nelsonic]

@harrygfox did the Plantronics arrive ok? have you tried them out? 🤔

[harrygfox]

@nelsonic
Firstly THANK YOU SO MUCH! here's me using them:

Overall I think they are brilliant. Sound quality and noise cancelling is fab, perhaps not as absolute as the QC's that are floating around but minutely different. Music sounds very clear even at low levels. The features on this thing far outstrip anything else I've seen, a microphone so I can listen to the outside world without removing the headphones (useful when someone wants to talk but you don't want to stop working); play/pause from putting them on/taking them off; volume controls and play/pause on the outside of the cans. All of these features make the Plantronics noticeably heavier than the QC's. Oh! and the bluetooth connection is super seemless - and the woman's voice that tells me what's connected is well spoken and English accented - not like that depressed QC robot voice. Battery life is also very good, at least a few days before I need to recharge - they also put themselves in a rest state when you take them off so turning them off manually is never really required. And anyway, you can use them when they're dead with an aux cord. Comfort is probably the worst part about them. They really ache my ears after prolonged use (due to how tight they must be to support the weight of the cans), but that's not actually a big problem for my work-flow. I take regular breaks (every 20-25 mins) and take them off and give my ears a rest. Value for money - they were like half the price of the QC's so...... GOOD value for money IMO.

Thanks again! I need some stickers to slap on 'em 😉

[iteles]

@harrygfox :tada:

@markwilliamfirth Is looking into some stickers that might work better for the headphones as our hexes end up a bit too bumpy and weird, we'll get some to you soon!

But mostly, thanks for asking for the stickers 😍

[Cleop]

Thank you @iteles and @nelsonic for this initiative! I would love the Bose QC35 in Black ❤️ 🎧 ❤️

As a big quiet fan hopefully now I can ditch my disposable earplugs that I wear on the tube / when working and turn down the volume on my white noise/ rain background music. Instead I'll sit in a little headphone bubble 🙉

P.S. If anyone else likes atmospheric background noise, I really recommend https://mynoise.net/ that @msachi shared with me. So many choices!

[nelsonic]

@Cleop we're so excited that you've joined the team! 🦄 🎉

You've already done so much to help the whole team/community learn and grow! ❤️ Really looking forward the Daydream & Nightmare Tutorial improvements you're working on! ✨

We'd be delighted to give you a pair of QC35's so you can focus (even) better. 🎧 🎶 🚀 Noisy tube journeys are a drag. 😧 7h/week is a lot to spend in stressful noise!! 😫 Stoked you'll have a better commute... 👍

I will order them today (after the Healthlocker demo). ✅ Are you working from QuietSpace tomorrow? 📦

[jruts]

@nelsonic does this apply for people in Belgium too? :)

[nelsonic]

@jruts of course this does apply to you! ❤️ Do your research on which set you really want 🔍 and let us know by Friday so we'll order them for you. 👍 (I will hand-deliver them to your office on Monday) 📦

P.S. the invitation to work "Full Time Remote" with @dwyl is always/still open ... 🤗 You are the fastest learner I know and in a "knowledge economy" that's a serious advantage!! You are the biggest reason I enjoyed working for "Travel Co" ... ✈️ (_when ur tired of selling sunshine in pretty pre-packages & want to get creative, call us! Papa Cook might even give you a "sabbatical" to "learn new skills" if you frame it right ..._) 😉

[Cleop]

The tube test was ace 💯 I've become one of those annoying people tapping my feet as I listen away. The headphones also passed the grilling critique of my fiance!

I think aside from the noise cancelling (which I had been dreaming about for many a moon), I keep being reminded how enjoyable the wireless freedom is. Habitually I keep on going to remove my headphones when I leave my desk expecting to be tugged back by the wire. I am loving the freedom to roam!

My favourite thing more specifically about the QC35's is their sound clarity (aside from the above). I think they perform really nicely for both intricate mellow tracks and heavier more pacey stuff.

Thanks once again @nelsonic and @iteles 🎊

The next test will be trying them out for a workout 🏃‍♀️

[sohilpandya]

I'm looking forward to hearing about your workout test! @Cleop

[NataliaLKB]

So some of you expressed interest in my bone conducting headphones yesterday. I bought them on amazon, partially because they were on sale.

I already have the most amazing headphones from dwyl which are perfect for work and walking, but I don't feel safe cycling with headphones which block noise. That is why I decided to try bone conducting headphones. I still feel very safe and can hear traffic, but I can also listen to music!

pros:

• Lightweight and sits low enough on my head that it doesn't conflict with wearing a helmet
• I have been rained on quite heavily while cycling with them and they still work
• I have ran with them before and they didn't move and wasn't distracting
• Really quick to charge, and I don't actually charge them that often (I usually only cycle on average 40 min a day). I charge them maybe once a week?

cons:

• Music sounds a bit hallow, not the best quality
• When I are in a noisy place, like in a lot of traffic, I can't hear the music. For me this is okay though because if I am in a lot of traffic I should be concentrating on that.
• feels a bit cheap. Its on the cheaper side and it gets the job done for me, but you can get some which feel much nicer.

I really do recommend them for cycling! Running, I am sure you could find better ones. And if hollow sounding music will annoy you too much, these are not for you!

[ghost]

@nelsonic should we formalise this process as an employee/contractor benefit in an md file?

[nelsonic]

@markwilliamfirth that was the idea in this issue: https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/131 The only thing I will say on the subject of making it "formal" if we formalise a reward, then people expect it. and the entitled ones will complain if they don't get it. 😞 Which defeats the objective of a "now that reward". 🙃 http://www.studentofme.com/2011/06/motivating-others-using-rewards-the-smart-way/

I would prefer to offer zero rewards and rely on finding people who are (intrinsically) passionate about solving the problem (helping everyone live their best life) rather than chasing a "carrot" _especially a material good that isn't a necessity. Headphones are a really-nice-to-have and something most people at the start of their career won't invest in. But this is more of a question for the "mission" of the organisation than specific to "Headphones" which was the original topic of this thread.

Thanks everyone for taking part in this. Hope you're all managing to focus on doing your best work! 🎧 ❤️ ✅