Many people are interested in contributing to Free and Open Source software projects, but they are not sure how to get started. In this talk, Leslie Hawthorn covers the basics of engaging with the Open Source community, gives practical advice on retaining new contributors and explores the successes of some of the attendees at Free Software and Linux Days in Istanbul, April 2-3, 2010.

1. Free and Open Source Software for New Contributors: How to Get Started and Stay Involved Leslie Hawthorn Free Software & Linux Days, Istanbul April 2, 2010 hawthornlandings.org

2. The Standard Disclaimer “These are my opinions based on my experiences with the FOSS community, not those of any past or future employer.” </legal speak>

3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/derricksphotos/898175328/

4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniferwoodardmaderazo/2768264924/

5. Step One Choose a Project

6. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fogus/2630034908/

9. http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwennypics/169517349/

10. So You Have a Few Ideas Now What?

11. http://www.flickr.com/photos/usarmyafrica/4074611525/

13. Does this project share your values?

16. Find (or Ask For) Newbie Documentation

18. Review Style/Coding Guidelines

21. Show you've done your research

22. Wait for an answer

24. Don't Use Text Speak

25. Be Formal in Your First Few Posts http://www.flickr.com/photos/4braham/4178258504/

28. Observe Traffic

29. Don't Ask to Ask

30. Wait for an Answer

31. Lurking ++ http://www.flickr.com/photos/minghan/479815487/

32. http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetruthabout/3019931963/

33. You've Found Your Tribe Ways to Get Involved

36. What you thought should happen

37. What happened instead

38. Software & hardware specs http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/482054617/

40. Submit a Patch

42. Answer Questions in IRC

43. Point People in the Right Direction http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/285112924/

44. But Wait, I'm Not Technical (Enough) Free and Open Source Software Needs All Kinds of Contributors

46. Press Releases and Newsletters

47. Testimonials & Developer / User Interviews

49. Project Banners for Conferences

50. Web Design

51. Fan Art ++ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nitot/3038135565//

53. Collateral: Data Sheets, Project Brochures

54. Social Media

55. Swag! You Don't Have to be This Dude to Do Marketing // http://www.flickr.com/photos/mshades/2079611269/

57. Offer to Staff a Booth or Table

58. Volunteer to Help at the Next FOSS Conference http://www.flickr.com/photos/richard_jones/3091970504/

60. Bonus Points for Video or In Person Training

61. Give a Talk about Your Project Anyone who can share knowledge well is a teacher. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicago2016/3277192438/

62. My Project Doesn't Do Any of This Stuff.... Wonderful! Time for You to Do Something New and Exciting!

63. For Those With FOSS Experience A Few Tips on Attracting and Retaining Newbies

64. Check Your Tone http://www.flickr.com/photos/derricksphotos/898175328/

65. Share Your Mistakes Source http://www.flickr.com/photos/tcatcarson/3714117676/

66. Recognition = Retention Source http://www.flickr.com/photos/adampieniazek/445407705/

67. Recognition = Delegating Source http://www.flickr.com/photos/bohman/210977249/

69. Get Valuable Employment Experience

70. Learn from an Experienced Mentor

71. Become Part of a Vibrant Global Community

72. Get Paid

75. You Must Be a Student

76. Submit an Application Through 9 April 2010

77. More than 150 FOSS Projects to Choose From

78. Apply now at http://socghop.appspot.com

80. Jump in Where You Can Do Well

81. Know You Will Make Mistakes

82. Have Fun!

83. Questions? Many Thanks to All of You for Coming! Leslie Hawthorn hawthornlandings.org identi.ca: @lh Twitter: @lhawthorn

85. These slides are available at http://slideshare.net/lhawthorn

86. All logos are the property of their respective owners.

87. Many thanks to all the kind folks on Flickr who provided their photos for remixing!