summercamp 2010
DESCRIPTION
My presentation from SummerCamp 2010.TRANSCRIPT
Getting Started in an Open Source Community
Dru LavigneCommunity Manager, PC-BSD ProjectSummerCamp 2010
This presentation will discuss:
WHY? (would I want to contribute?)
WHAT? (type of contributions can I make?)
HOW? (do I decide which community?)
WHERE? (do I begin?)
WHAT IF? (something goes wrong?)
Closing Thoughts
WHY?
Q. Why should I bother getting involved?
And what if:● I'm not that geeky...● I don't know how to code...● I really don't have that much time to
spare....● I don't know anyone in open source...● I've tried before and had a bad
experience (or two)...
WHY: Experience
● Gain experience you can add to your resume
● Learn hard and soft skills
● Learn from others in your spare time
WHY: Networking
● Meet people from all over the world who are interested in your industry
● It really is about "who you know"
WHY: Recognition
● It is possible to build a name for yourself and become an authority on topic XYZ
● One way to break the glass ceiling
WHAT?
● Coding is the most obvious, but not the only type of contribution
WHAT?
Every project needs help with:
● Documentation● Marketing/Advocacy● Graphics● System and/or web
administration● Helping new users
WHAT?
You could:
● Start a blog● Tweet news● Answer questions on
forums, mailing lists, or IRC
● Get involved!
HOW?
Create a Project short list:● What open source
are you currently using?
● Do you have friends already involved in a Project?
● What are your interests?
HOW?
Research each Project's communication channels:● Are you comfortable
using their technology?
● Are you comfortable with their tone?
HOW?
Look for opportunity:● Does the Project
need assistance in areas that match your goals?
● Does it publish a wish or TO DO list?
● Is it easy to contribute or are there barriers to overcome?
HOW?
Weigh your options:● Every Project
contains individual personalities (including yours)
● Every Project is different in tone, communication channels, available resources, technical skills, etc.
HOW?
Weigh your options:
● No Project is perfect
● Feel free to "shop around" for the best fit
● You don't have to stay if the fit is poor
WHERE?
● Find and engage in a communication channel
● Join a local user group
● Attend a conference
WHERE?
● Learn the rules of Netiquette
● Read the Project's FAQs
● Treat others how you'd want to be treated
● Be persistent
WHAT IF?
Noone responds?
● Check your question● Try another
communication channel
● Over time, notice patterns
WHAT IF?
You start a flame war?
● Apologize once, then stay out of it
● Don't do whatever it was you did again
WHAT IF?
You encounter elitism, sexism, racism, or some other nasty-ism?
● Don't pretend it didn't happen
● Privately bring it to the attention of a leader in the Project
Closing Thoughts
● Opportunities are available
● Well worth the time spent
● The more you find time to give, the more you get back
