As mentioned in #49, the value of OSS is still really hard to explain to a layperson, but broader public support is needed to make this A Thing.
One way to do that is by highlighting individual stories of people who are contributing to OSS but find themselves short on time or money. The ProPublica story about Werner Koch for example helped make his situation real and tangible for people outside of the community, and he pulled in $250K in donations.
To that point, consider this an open call: I'm working with a foundation right now to collect stories about OSS contributors and share them with a wider community. I've reached out to some of you on here already. If anyone wants to share a story (about themselves or others) that highlights the issues around OSS funding, I'd love to hear it.
Note these don't just have to be stories about things not working: if you managed to make it work through consulting on the side, or getting hired by a company, those are great to hear about too.
Feel free to post below or email me privately. If there's anything you want me to keep confidential, just let me know. Can't promise I'll use them all, but I'll try!
nayafia
commented
9 years ago
As mentioned in #49, the value of OSS is still really hard to explain to a layperson, but broader public support is needed to make this A Thing.
One way to do that is by highlighting individual stories of people who are contributing to OSS but find themselves short on time or money. The ProPublica story about Werner Koch for example helped make his situation real and tangible for people outside of the community, and he pulled in $250K in donations.
To that point, consider this an open call: I'm working with a foundation right now to collect stories about OSS contributors and share them with a wider community. I've reached out to some of you on here already. If anyone wants to share a story (about themselves or others) that highlights the issues around OSS funding, I'd love to hear it.
Note these don't just have to be stories about things not working: if you managed to make it work through consulting on the side, or getting hired by a company, those are great to hear about too.
Feel free to post below or email me privately. If there's anything you want me to keep confidential, just let me know. Can't promise I'll use them all, but I'll try!