Hello,
I was wondering if anyone here had suggestions on how to get people to contribute to an OS project. I've created an organization on Github. What else should I do?
Thanks,
nexos
Getting contributions to my OS
Re: Getting contributions to my OS
nexos wrote:Hello,
I was wondering if anyone here had suggestions on how to get people to contribute to an OS project. I've created an organization on Github. What else should I do?
Thanks,
nexos
Re: Getting contributions to my OS
At first I was tempted to laugh at the attempt, but alright, I'll make a serious effort.
The first thing you will need to do is advertising. No-one will contribute to your project if they don't know it exists. You also need to get people interested: My time is limited, so why should I donate it to your project, of all the ones clamouring for my attention? For instance, I know for a fact that there is absolutely no reason for anyone to contribute their time and knowledge to my OS project, since the only thing I am doing is reimplementing Linux, but better (sounds like a boast, but really, is only a change to cut off a lot of old hair). There are already enough projects that fit that bill to dam any river you care to name.
Wherever you advertise, this forum is probably not the right place. Yes, people here are interested in OS development, but most are too busy with their own developments to help you with yours. I honestly don't know where you would find people interested in helping you on a more permanent basis than just a forum post. Maybe, if your project is really far along and gaining some traction, you can actually find people here again, like Korona did with Managarm, but that is not going to be possible in the beginning stages, as project ideas and "my first kernel" implementations are a dime a dozen.
Also, people are quickly going to stop being interested if the perceive you as just a leech, willing to take the contributions of others but doing little or no work of your own. Getting contributors can be like getting a pet; it is a constant responsibility. And the project can very well die of neglect.
The first thing you will need to do is advertising. No-one will contribute to your project if they don't know it exists. You also need to get people interested: My time is limited, so why should I donate it to your project, of all the ones clamouring for my attention? For instance, I know for a fact that there is absolutely no reason for anyone to contribute their time and knowledge to my OS project, since the only thing I am doing is reimplementing Linux, but better (sounds like a boast, but really, is only a change to cut off a lot of old hair). There are already enough projects that fit that bill to dam any river you care to name.
Wherever you advertise, this forum is probably not the right place. Yes, people here are interested in OS development, but most are too busy with their own developments to help you with yours. I honestly don't know where you would find people interested in helping you on a more permanent basis than just a forum post. Maybe, if your project is really far along and gaining some traction, you can actually find people here again, like Korona did with Managarm, but that is not going to be possible in the beginning stages, as project ideas and "my first kernel" implementations are a dime a dozen.
Also, people are quickly going to stop being interested if the perceive you as just a leech, willing to take the contributions of others but doing little or no work of your own. Getting contributors can be like getting a pet; it is a constant responsibility. And the project can very well die of neglect.
Carpe diem!
Re: Getting contributions to my OS
What I mean by contribute is code and knowledge, not money. My OS does not cost me anything. But thanks for the advice, nullplan
Re: Getting contributions to my OS
Your best bet is to demonstrate that your project is serious, well-managed, and likely to go somewhere. This means
1. The project aims should be documented in detail, including proposed implementations.
2. You need to detail what sets this project apart from others.
3. You should make it clear that you are a competent project manager. Proof of previous large projects successfully managed is necessary for this. There's nothing more disheartening than working on a project that is mismanaged.
4. You need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge to successfully manage this project.
5. You should detail exactly what help you need. Vaguely asking for contributions is unlikely to garner much of a response.
6. You should explain what's in it for potential contributors. This could be financial, or it could be the prestige of participating in an important project.
See https://wiki.osdev.org/Beginner_Mistakes#Teamwork
TBH, judging from your posts so far, I'm not sure that you can fulfil these conditions. It might be better at present to just continue this as a learning, hobby project rather than trying to widen its scope.
1. The project aims should be documented in detail, including proposed implementations.
2. You need to detail what sets this project apart from others.
3. You should make it clear that you are a competent project manager. Proof of previous large projects successfully managed is necessary for this. There's nothing more disheartening than working on a project that is mismanaged.
4. You need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge to successfully manage this project.
5. You should detail exactly what help you need. Vaguely asking for contributions is unlikely to garner much of a response.
6. You should explain what's in it for potential contributors. This could be financial, or it could be the prestige of participating in an important project.
See https://wiki.osdev.org/Beginner_Mistakes#Teamwork
TBH, judging from your posts so far, I'm not sure that you can fulfil these conditions. It might be better at present to just continue this as a learning, hobby project rather than trying to widen its scope.