What this post is about
- Communicate clearly and comprehensibly
- Enable development with comprehensive documentation
- Creating community spirit
- Integration strengthens cohesion
- Provide a code of conduct as a framework
Every beginning contains a magical essence! What the writer and poet Hermann Hesse poetically formulated once has by no means lost its significance in the present. Even in the digital world, new projects attract attention and entice interested developers and users.
Of particular curiosity are open source tools and projects that one can actively contribute to and participate in their success.
However, the initial enthusiasm often gives way to routine in many cases, leaving behind a trace of boredom. This should not happen to your open source community!
We show admins and moderators how to keep developers and other contributors together beyond the exciting initial phase, making open source a long-term constant in your organization.
Related topic: What is open-source software, and how is it used in a business context? Find out more in our article "Free Software and Its Use in a Business Context"
Simplicity Prevails
Challenges inspire and provide incentives to engage wholeheartedly in projects. As exciting and complex as the journey to the goal may be, the result must be understandable. Clearly explaining to the community what result is desired at the end provides contributors with a clear direction.
With simple definitions, guidelines for collaborative interaction, and understandable regulations, all participants can orient themselves. Additionally, clear documentation and practical tools help beginners get started and celebrate initial shared successes.
Enable Direct Participation
An open source community thrives on continuous development. Thanks to concepts, briefings, and documentation readily available to developers without extensive searching, milestones are not distant visions. When these publicly accessible files are lacking, and developers spend more time on research than coding, frustration can quickly set in.
Therefore, it is crucial that current status reports or updates are formulated in an understandable manner. Whether a seasoned developer or a newcomer, all participating individuals should have access to the same foundation to work on an equal footing with each other.
Strengthening Relationships
Loneliness and isolated work are commonplace in digital collaboration. While some individuals can handle solitude and find a suitable balance, others may find these situations burdensome after a certain point.
It is the responsibility of the admin and project leaders to strengthen the cohesion and sense of community in the open source community despite the global distribution of its members.
Helpful ideas for collaboration instead of isolation include:
- Communication through shared channels beyond open-source project management
- Promoting shared knowledge exchange through group projects and calls
- Inviting members to digital events
- Sending words of appreciation for milestones
- Personally welcoming newcomers
Read also: Discover how to implement effective moderation successfully in our blog post "Five Helpful Tips for Vibrant Community Forums"
Integrating Community Members
Those who go through thick and thin with friends can rely on their support. This wisdom also shapes success in the open-source community. To foster the digital connection among all participants, project members must be brought on board.
Measures that work in traditional office environments are also the best choice in the digital space:
- Accepting and soliciting feedback
- Establishing idea rounds
- Building communication channels such as blogs or newsletters
- Assigning roles and positions
Integrating Community Members
Those who go through thick and thin with friends can rely on support and backing. This wisdom also characterizes success in the open-source community. To nurture the digital connection among all participants, project members must be brought on board.
Measures that work in traditional office environments are also the best choice in the digital space:
- Accepting and soliciting feedback
- Establishing idea rounds
- Building communication channels such as blogs or newsletters
- Assigning roles and positions
Follow the Code of Conduct
The participation of various individuals belonging to different cultures, faiths, and life circumstances requires a code of conduct. Conflicts and discussions are guided by this set of rules, which helps contain negative developments and provides approaches for de-escalation.
Misunderstood formulations or individual writing styles can be the cause of negative sentiments within working groups. If participants ignore the significance of the Code of Conduct, the consequences can harm the project in the long run.
However, by addressing the issues quickly and according to rules visible to everyone, peace can be restored quickly and fairly.
By the way: Here at Zammad, we also have our own open-source community, that plays a key role in the ongoing development of our smart helpdesk. Learn more about how we collaborate
Summary
Collectively Pursue a Common Goal! The essence of an open source community is the creation of projects for mutual benefit. What emerges from a well-functioning unit often leads to success. The care and attention given to the project itself should, therefore, be extended with the same focus to the individual members of the community.