Express sustainability (funding deep dive)

[UlisesGascon]

As discussed in our last meetings, we agreed to do a deep dive session about this topic.

There have been several discussions (online, offline, public/private....) over the years and recently. The idea of this issue is to prepare the discussion for a deep dive session in the near future.

Historical context

• https://github.com/expressjs/discussions/issues/52
• https://github.com/expressjs/discussions/issues/69

Resources

• Getting Paid in Open Source
• Babel Funding Update

Ideas to discuss on the session

• OpenJS foundation - New Ecosystem Sustainability Program (see)
• https://github.com/expressjs/discussions/issues/245

The idea is to drop ideas/concerns/whatever is relevant to have enough context for the deep dive session.

Note: I will update this message frequently to act as an index for the session, as I can imagine that this thread will be quite long to read. As well, I make an effort to moderate it and keep it on track. Actually, any TC member can update it, so feel free to do it :)

[UlisesGascon]

I see a lot of potential in this initiative OpenJS foundation - New Ecosystem Sustainability Program (CPC approval is pending).

Quick summary

• Offers a solid solution for users and companies that want to keep using Express@4 in the far future: Project maintainers are able to continue providing public support to any version of their software, including versions covered by an ESP partner, without constraint.
• We will need to join the LFX Crowdfunding platform and this will help us to start other initiatives, as an example Node.js Bug Bounty/Security Fund.
• Revenue would be based on HeroDev's enterprise customer billing and be split 10% for Express and 5% for the Foundation.