[ Thanks to Lee
Schlesinger for this link. ]
“Start Small: Before launching your own open source project,
consider contributing to an existing project, because that’s a
great way to learn the ropes. Pick something that you use every
day, because you’re already familiar with it and invested in it,
and because it’s good to give back. There are all kinds of ways to
contribute, such as writing code or documentation, hosting,
creating artwork, releasing hardware specs, and donating equipment.
When you’re already a user and clued in to the community you’ll
probably have some ideas about what the project needs, or at least
know who to ask. Contributing to an existing project is a great way
to start building trust and social capital, which are the forces
that fuel FOSS. (And pretty much everything, when you think about
it.)”