7. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Easy Steps
• Star/favorite the code repository.
• Join the mailing list (if any) to ask questions, fallback to
issue tracker.
• File a ticket when encountering an error or potential bug.
21. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Licenses
• Choose a license (or licenses) that match your goals:
• Mind liabilities clause(s)
• Is commercial usage allowed?
• Do you care about patents?
• When unsure consult with developers of a project you
think has similar goals as yours.
27. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Build
• Pick the one you’re more familiar with.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with other tools if needed.
• Be careful if choosing the next hyped tool.
• Avoid IDE speci
fi
c setup as much as possible.
• Fail fast, report early.
28. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Build
• Document build and install instructions.
• Document additional environment setup as needed.
• As much as possible, keep the build instructions short,
simple, and executable via command line.
33. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Communication
• Keep it open. Keep it civil.
• Expect interactions with non-native speakers.
• Cultural di
ff
erences are likely to happen.
• Be patient.
37. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Health
• Is the build green or is it broken? Badge it!
• Does code coverage matter? Report it!
• Download numbers.
• Ratio of open/closed tickets.
• Compliance with standards.
40. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Release Cycle
• Pick a release schedule and stick to it until you need a
change.
• Release every X weeks/months.
• Release when big features are ready.
• Release on every feature/bug
fi
x.
• Some other release constraints.
42. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Promotion
• Consider giving a talk at your local User Group.
• Brown bag sessions at your company (when applicable).
• Tweet, tweet, tweet.
• Join hacking events.
45. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Sustainability
• Ask your employer for support (time).
• Consider sponsorship programs (Github Sponsors, Open
Collective, Patreon, etc).
• Create your own company.
46. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Sustainability
• Remember your goals:
• Doing it for fun.
• Scratching your own itch.
• Providing an alternate option to X.
• Starting your own business.
• …
48. @aalmiray | andresalmiray.com
Take care of yourself
• Producing Open Source is a life style choice.
• Rely on teammates.
• Learn to delegate.
• A 7 day commit streak every week is not for everyone nor
should it be a goal in itself.
• It’s OK to break away from a project for a time (or forever).
Don’t let the project guilt trip you into staying.