Open source projects are generally two types of contributors: one is a habitual contributor, and have a clear idea of the contribution of the community; the other is the contribution of people once or twice, known as the "temporary open source contributor." Watch the first contributor to the open source project and community-based natural is good, but the latter do? The time and energy into such contributors who have good results?
What is temporary contributors?
In recent years, increasing the number of temporary contributors, these contributors are conditionally rather than periodically contribution. Contribution no longer be regarded as obligations to the community, but on personal income availability, and willingness to make a contribution that can be obtained.
This rise will not happen overnight temporary contributors, nor those who own decision-making occurs simply because, where there are some external factors that propelled the case, including the contribution of processes and feedback to contributors and so on.
Unique benefits
While most contributors to open source projects tend to adopt the habit, but has temporarily contributors not a bad thing. In fact, studies have shown that they can provide some unique benefits to open source projects. Because of their vision, they can identify other people only focus on one project may not see the problem and points of improvement. Through the dissemination of information about the project on social media and other media, they can improve software quality and innovation, as well as the use and visibility of the project.
Temporary contributors can be in many different aspects of the project work, and often already part of the community project, therefore, develop and retain them is wise. They have been very familiar with the project and the community, and may become habitual contributors.
Let contributors remain temporary contribution
However, these temporary contributors how to retain it? These types of contributors by a different set of motivations drive, and compare the different behavior, so to keep them interested, and even enable them to become habitual contributor, you may also need extra effort. You can take the following steps:
- Reduce barriers to entry. So that the project contributed directly to accept the process as simple as possible. In addition, since many temporary contributors are a beginner or contributors, so their contribution is more simple and requires very little energy and can be done quickly. Therefore, the need to ensure that the project / community has this type of task, and these tasks are not the point, and does not require special skills. You can try the large task into smaller, more feasible task.
- Clear non-coding activities. As mentioned earlier, many temporary contributors are non-contributors, but their work is still commendable. Ensure that the project / community there is a way to clear their contributions, so they are more likely to stay.
- Creating opportunities for socializing. Connect with other members of the community can make temporary contributors to better understand how to become a more focused contributors, and they can learn from more experienced contributors. This will also help them better build community identity and build loyalty. Communities need to make sure you have a variety of face to face communication and social opportunities.
- There is a relatively fixed release schedule. Many temporary contributors are willing and committed to the project, but very busy, if you have a fixed release schedule, they will be able to better plan their contribution.
- Contact temporary contributors. If you welcome them, make them feel more joy, and more likely to stay. Trying to understand them and know their capabilities. A personal invitation to these contributors, inviting them to participate in community activities. The key is to understand their skills and accomplishments, and ask them to assist in their field of expertise.
This article is a translation, the original link:
https://sourceforge.net/blog/managing-casual-open-source-contributors