Someone once asked me why would people work on an open source project or a free project (as in they aren’t getting paid by anyone to do it). They wanted to create a community around these people but did not know them (weird idea to me, create something for someone you know nothing about). I have worked on a few of these projects and have a site going for one right now at http://www.myhtcphone.com
What’s my reasoning for doing this? For the site I am working on, a developer ported Android to my phone, HTC Vogue (Sprint Touch) and I was interested in it. I want to see what Android can do and based on early impressions, it is looking really good. Fast, responsive and seems like it could be almost infinitely expandable. That is something I am very interested in. I created the site and started making contributions to the community because I want to help further this project. I want to be able to do more on my phone and since Sprint won’t help me get there, I had to look to other fans who were taking a proactive stance. I wanted to be one of them.
Another reason I am working on this site is a monetary one. I have ads running on the site, and eventually I will put other money making systems in place to bring in some revenue. I am not looking into turning this into a cash cow though. I just want to bring in enough to cover server costs and future expansions and then, if there is anything left, give that back to the community. I want to be able to give something back to the people working on this as a thank you for their time. Maybe invest in a couple of test phones so they don’t have to use their own phones. I also want to do other things like that for this community that is working so hard on something no one else will pay them for …. yet at least.
So the reason I work on these projects is mostly to help something that is useful to me. If it isn’t available yet and I can use it/need it, then I want to help out. I want to make things that others will find useful. I want to be part of something that is greater than myself and where I feel I can actually make a contribution.
If you contribute to this type of project, what are your motivations?
