How to Open Source Your ... Whatever
Dr Marcus Baw
Here have some code
rule#0
want to open source your project
rule#1
build a community around your code
listen to your community
talk to your community
rule#2
relax, you still own your code
now choose a license
rule#3
use modern version control
rule#4
be able to accept an external code contribution
rule#5
write Documentation that you can be proud of
rule#6
#devops - make it easy for someone to deploy your code - without your help
commoditise your project
rule#7
be plugin-able
that way you don't need to develop everything that every user wants
plugin API - REST API - SDK - submodules - whatever suits
rule#8
talk about your project
conferences, podcasts, blogs, articles, news sites, hackernews
rule#9
provide services
you are no longer a seller of code, you're a service provider
rule#10
embrace competition
you're not the only fish in a tiny pond any more
you're one of several fish in a MUCH BIGGER POND
rule#11
be very, very smug
at all times
because you are part of the future