Hey programming enthusiasts! 👋

We all know that Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) thrives on the strength of its community. From Linux to Apache, many FOSS projects have flourished due to the active involvement of contributors from around the world.

I’m curious to hear about your favorite FOSS software that has built a strong and active community around it. What projects do you admire for their ability to attract many contributors and sustain a vibrant ecosystem?

I’d love to start a discussion on the strategies and practices that can help in building and maintaining such thriving communities. What are some key factors that contribute to the success of FOSS projects in fostering collaboration, engagement, and growth? Share your insights, experiences, and tips on how we can create and nurture active communities around open-source software.

I personally found the concept of issue bounties through platforms like Open Collective to be a game-changer in sustaining open-source development. Now, with the recent announcement of Open Collective’s dissolution (Open Collective Official Statement - OCF Dissolution), I’m eager to learn about other ways that FOSS projects can secure funding and support from their communities.

Do you have any suggestions or experiences with different funding models or platforms that have proven effective in supporting FOSS projects? Let’s brainstorm together and share insights on how we can ensure the long-term sustainability of our favorite open-source initiatives.

  • atomkarinca@lemmygrad.ml
    2·
    8 months ago

    i’m all for periodic contributions through channels like open collective but bounties rarely get to the point of being persuading.

    for a couple of years now my favorite foss project has been blender bim addon and its community osarch.

    it has a unique aspect. the software stack it’s trying to be an alternative of includes giants like autodesk, nemetchek etc. although it’s a gigantic shoe to fill, it has been really really successful at doing what it’s doing. i have been using it for a year now and cannot fathom to go back.

    the community consists of experienced construction sector people and a decent amount of them are directly involved in the software development, be it coding, bug triage, educational content, technical support etc.

    i guess the thing that makes a project tick is having a working state software, the degree to which is not important, and being community oriented.