From 90b7e58046accc7f73306313c9406a13a00679db Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ankur Sinha (Ankur Sinha Gmail) Date: Oct 29 2023 09:51:50 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 1/4] chore: break sentences into individual lines --- diff --git a/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc b/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc index 0f4fb56..61abb46 100644 --- a/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc +++ b/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc @@ -4,53 +4,107 @@ include::ROOT:partial$attributes.adoc[] Audience for this document -------------------------- -This document is targeted at people interested in contributing to the Fedora Project. In the Fedora Project, students, professionals and hobbyists all come together to produce software, marketing materials, art, documentation, etc. We all started as new volunteers at some point. The items below are designed to help you through the process of joining a team. It helps you know what we expect of you and what you can expect of us. +This document is targeted at people interested in contributing to the Fedora Project. +In the Fedora Project, students, professionals and hobbyists all come together to produce software, marketing materials, art, documentation, etc. +We all started as new volunteers at some point. +The items below are designed to help you through the process of joining a team. +It helps you know what we expect of you and what you can expect of us. Things to know before you join ------------------------------ -So you think that you would enjoy being a successful contributor to Fedora. Great!! You are most welcome. Here are some thoughts to consider. Everyone who joins a free software project does so with the best intentions of staying. A few stay to become regular contributors, and fewer still become leaders within the project, and others lose interest. The biggest difference between those that stay and those that leave is "commitment and time". +So you think that you would enjoy being a successful contributor to Fedora. +Great!! +You are most welcome. +Here are some thoughts to consider. +Everyone who joins a free software project does so with the best intentions of staying. +A few stay to become regular contributors, and fewer still become leaders within the project, and others lose interest. +The biggest difference between those that stay and those that leave is "commitment and time". Time commitment --------------- -A commitment requires reserving some time. If you strongly believe you will enjoy what you are doing, consider your dedication of time. Time commitment is as little as 4 hours per week. Some volunteers may spend 15-30 hours per week contributing. Doing that level of commitment while holding down a proper day job is a difficult time management skill. As a volunteer, you should ask yourself whether you can devote 2-4 hours per week, even though it's less than an hour per day. Four hours a week for most people is an entire afternoon one day. That's a significant chunk of time. +A commitment requires reserving some time. +If you strongly believe you will enjoy what you are doing, consider your dedication of time. +Time commitment is as little as 4 hours per week. +Some volunteers may spend 15-30 hours per week contributing. +Doing that level of commitment while holding down a proper day job is a difficult time management skill. +As a volunteer, you should ask yourself whether you can devote 2-4 hours per week, even though it's less than an hour per day. +Four hours a week for most people is an entire afternoon one day. +That's a significant chunk of time. Get permission from work and family ----------------------------------- -Volunteering has great rewards in many ways. The two most prominent ones are your success at introducing a person to Fedora, another is your own ego. A third benefit is with your job. - -There is a mutually beneficial relationship between working for a living and volunteering. Many contributors will find their skill sets at work increase dramatically just by having access to and learning from another environment. This volunteering benefits employer and worker. It is completely worthwhile to sit down with your employer and ask for permission to contribute during work hours, even if it's only a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon. If you are married, make sure your family agrees to your being busy for this time commitment. Your volunteering must be a win-win-win for the company, your family and you. Explain the benefits to you, to the business, and your family. Family is the important people in your social life. (spouse, friends, parents, others). - -If work says no, then you will have to volunteer in your own time. Your family may be enthusiastic to help you. Volunteering is very rewarding. +Volunteering has great rewards in many ways. +The two most prominent ones are your success at introducing a person to Fedora, another is your own ego. +A third benefit is with your job. + +There is a mutually beneficial relationship between working for a living and volunteering. +Many contributors will find their skill sets at work increase dramatically just by having access to and learning from another environment. +This volunteering benefits employer and worker. +It is completely worthwhile to sit down with your employer and ask for permission to contribute during work hours, even if it's only a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon. +If you are married, make sure your family agrees to your being busy for this time commitment. +Your volunteering must be a win-win-win for the company, your family and you. +Explain the benefits to you, to the business, and your family. +Family is the important people in your social life. +(spouse, friends, parents, others). + +If work says no, then you will have to volunteer in your own time. +Your family may be enthusiastic to help you. +Volunteering is very rewarding. Joining ------- -The single biggest mistake most new contributors make is showing up "just wanting to contribute." It's important to take the time to observe the team (refer to the section below) and see how their work aligns with your own skills and personality. Know that getting work to do on day one is very rare, and those who are highly skilled in a specific technology will still have to take the time to get to know an environment before access is granted. +The single biggest mistake most new contributors make is showing up "just wanting to contribute." It's important to take the time to observe the team (refer to the section below) and see how their work aligns with your own skills and personality. +Know that getting work to do on day one is very rare, and those who are highly skilled in a specific technology will still have to take the time to get to know an environment before access is granted. -For example, if you're a database expert it is very unlikely you'll be given access to databases (where personal info, passwords, etc are stored) within your first several weeks of volunteering. If you're looking to become an ambassador, it is unlikely you'll get marketing materials shipped to you in your first week. This may seem unfortunate, but it's necessary to keep the project members working well together. The same can be said about any major changes, like a complete redesign of a system or a new look and feel for a website. Don't get discouraged. Show up as often as you can, and get to know the team. +For example, if you're a database expert it is very unlikely you'll be given access to databases (where personal info, passwords, etc are stored) within your first several weeks of volunteering. +If you're looking to become an ambassador, it is unlikely you'll get marketing materials shipped to you in your first week. +This may seem unfortunate, but it's necessary to keep the project members working well together. +The same can be said about any major changes, like a complete redesign of a system or a new look and feel for a website. +Don't get discouraged. +Show up as often as you can, and get to know the team. Observation ----------- -It is important to get to know the organization and teams you are looking to work with before you try to join them. Learn what they do and how they do it, and try to get to know the people involved. It is extremely unlikely you will be able to actually contribute from day one. In organizations with hundreds or thousands of people working together, understanding how things work is critical. +It is important to get to know the organization and teams you are looking to work with before you try to join them. +Learn what they do and how they do it, and try to get to know the people involved. +It is extremely unlikely you will be able to actually contribute from day one. +In organizations with hundreds or thousands of people working together, understanding how things work is critical. -Don't be shy about asking questions and getting to know people. Plan to spend several days or even weeks attending meetings, emailing on mailing lists and hanging out on IRC before you get to do any actual work. Offer suggestions on topics being discussed, and share any experiences (good or bad) you've had that is relevant to the discussion. +Don't be shy about asking questions and getting to know people. +Plan to spend several days or even weeks attending meetings, emailing on mailing lists and hanging out on IRC before you get to do any actual work. +Offer suggestions on topics being discussed, and share any experiences (good or bad) you've had that is relevant to the discussion. -Part of observing and making constructive suggestions may require withholding judgment. When making suggestions, don't assume you come with all of the answers or that the Fedora Project is ''doing it all wrong.'' There is a good chance we can improve the way we are doing things, however most of our current practices were developed over long periods of time after lengthy discussion. Your criticism may be better received once you have established yourself in the community and are perceived as understanding our culture. +Part of observing and making constructive suggestions may require withholding judgment. +When making suggestions, don't assume you come with all of the answers or that the Fedora Project is ''doing it all wrong.'' +There is a good chance we can improve the way we are doing things, however most of our current practices were developed over long periods of time after lengthy discussion. +Your criticism may be better received once you have established yourself in the community and are perceived as understanding our culture. Pick what you want to work on ----------------------------- -It's your job to decide what you want to work on. Pick something that's important to you and something you have passion for. You'll see this advice repeated several times in this document: Don't just show up looking to have work assigned to you. Get to know the teams and procedures they have in place. Ask questions and really get to know what you're going to be working on _before_ trying to work on it. +It's your job to decide what you want to work on. +Pick something that's important to you and something you have passion for. +You'll see this advice repeated several times in this document: Don't just show up looking to have work assigned to you. +Get to know the teams and procedures they have in place. +Ask questions and really get to know what you're going to be working on _before_ trying to work on it. Don't jump into the deep end ---------------------------- -When picking something to work on, don't be the sole person to take on a huge task as your first contribution. Picking a task that's too large significantly raises the chances of failure. Also don't pick several things on several teams to work on. Start small, picking at most one or two things, and grow from there. The key is slow, steady, and sustainable growth. Don't join with the immediate goal of becoming the next leader of the project. Start small. +When picking something to work on, don't be the sole person to take on a huge task as your first contribution. +Picking a task that's too large significantly raises the chances of failure. +Also don't pick several things on several teams to work on. +Start small, picking at most one or two things, and grow from there. +The key is slow, steady, and sustainable growth. +Don't join with the immediate goal of becoming the next leader of the project. +Start small. First contact ------------- -After you've decided what you're looking to do and what team you are looking to do it with, it's time to send an introduction to the list. When sending an introduction (usually by mail list), include the following information: +After you've decided what you're looking to do and what team you are looking to do it with, it's time to send an introduction to the list. +When sending an introduction (usually by mail list), include the following information: * Name * Time Zone / Country @@ -59,30 +113,64 @@ After you've decided what you're looking to do and what team you are looking to * What you're looking to do (be specific) * How much time you can contribute (usually hours per week) -If any of the above questions are not clearly answered, don't send the email yet. You're not ready. Remember, be specific about what type of work you're looking to do. Saying "Whatever needs to get done" isn't helping anyone. Saying "I'd like to help document system A," "I'd like to translate software for my native language," or "I noticed this webapp is particularly slow sometimes and I'd like to help fix that" is perfect. + +If any of the above questions are not clearly answered, don't send the email yet. +You're not ready. +Remember, be specific about what type of work you're looking to do. +Saying "Whatever needs to get done" isn't helping anyone. +Saying "I'd like to help document system A," "I'd like to translate software for my native language," or "I noticed this webapp is particularly slow sometimes and I'd like to help fix that" is perfect. Find a mentor or sponsor ------------------------ -This step is both incredibly difficult and important. Finding a proper sponsor will increase your chances of being a successful contributor significantly. Sometimes it's absolutely required. A sponsor will help with training, introductions and teaching new contributors how a team works. - -Most teams have mailing lists. Email the list, say you're looking for a sponsor, and explain what you are wanting to do. If you haven't heard back in a few days, reply saying that you are still looking. ''Keep doing this.'' Most sponsors are people that have been in the project for a long time, and are often very busy. - -They don't mean to be rude and don't want to send the impression they don't want new contributors. It's just that at the moment, some people will assume other people will take care of you and so for the moment, no one does. This is a common problem -- in real life as well as in online communities -- and a difficult one to fix. But sticking to it and continuing to ask for help without being annoying will show that you are serious and ready to contribute. Don't send this kind of message more than once every couple of days, but be positive, and persistent if needed. +This step is both incredibly difficult and important. Finding a proper sponsor will increase your chances of being a successful contributor significantly. +Sometimes it's absolutely required. +A sponsor will help with training, introductions and teaching new contributors how a team works. + +Most teams have mailing lists. +Email the list, say you're looking for a sponsor, and explain what you are wanting to do. +If you haven't heard back in a few days, reply saying that you are still looking. +''Keep doing this.'' +Most sponsors are people that have been in the project for a long time, and are often very busy. + +They don't mean to be rude and don't want to send the impression they don't want new contributors. +It's just that at the moment, some people will assume other people will take care of you and so for the moment, no one does. +This is a common problem -- in real life as well as in online communities -- and a difficult one to fix. +But sticking to it and continuing to ask for help without being annoying will show that you are serious and ready to contribute. +Don't send this kind of message more than once every couple of days, but be positive, and persistent if needed. Contributing ------------ -Once you've got something to work on, it's time to actually do work. The first several tasks you will work on will likely be small or maybe mundane. Do them consistently, conscientiously and well. This will raise the level of trust you have from the other team members. +Once you've got something to work on, it's time to actually do work. +The first several tasks you will work on will likely be small or maybe mundane. +Do them consistently, conscientiously and well. +This will raise the level of trust you have from the other team members. -As with other volunteer organizations, there are high turnover rates in the free software universe. Training volunteers is time consuming, especially for more complex tasks, and requires a commitment from currently busy volunteers. Spending days or weeks training someone only for them to vanish can be disheartening for mentors and sponsors. By giving out small tasks that have been hanging around, a sponsor can help you take small but vital steps, and learn whether or not the work you're going to be doing is really for you. +As with other volunteer organizations, there are high turnover rates in the free software universe. +Training volunteers is time consuming, especially for more complex tasks, and requires a commitment from currently busy volunteers. +Spending days or weeks training someone only for them to vanish can be disheartening for mentors and sponsors. +By giving out small tasks that have been hanging around, a sponsor can help you take small but vital steps, and learn whether or not the work you're going to be doing is really for you. Look for work ------------- -If you have access to a repository, system, or content, consider yourself a partial owner. This doesn't mean you should immediately re-design everything. Remember that other owners have time and effort invested in the current material as well. It does mean, though, that you should take pride in the work you are doing. If you see something not quite right, do research on it and notify the list. Seek work out, keep yourself busy and help others. +If you have access to a repository, system, or content, consider yourself a partial owner. +This doesn't mean you should immediately re-design everything. +Remember that other owners have time and effort invested in the current material as well. +It does mean, though, that you should take pride in the work you are doing. +If you see something not quite right, do research on it and notify the list. +Seek work out, keep yourself busy and help others. Quitting -------- -If you've found you've over-committed or decide volunteering isn't for you, that's OK. You don't need to be embarrassed that you can't contribute further. Contributors will not make you feel bad about it either. Realize that lots of contributors come and go every day. Being busy with your day job or not having enough free time is a perfectly valid reason for not being able to contribute. It's even possible that you might not feel a good fit with the team or organization. You're entitled to offer help as a volunteer how you want and when you want. - -First and foremost, though, don't just vanish. When a contributor or potential contributor agrees to do work, can't follow through for a valid reason, and vanishes, the team may not know the work can be reassigned. In some cases, people in the team may even worry about the contributor's health or well being. - -When you've decided it's time for you to go or take a break, let your sponsor or the list know and let them know what you were working on. Having people think you are working on something when you aren't slows the team down, and ultimately doesn't benefit you or the team. +If you've found you've over-committed or decide volunteering isn't for you, that's OK. You don't need to be embarrassed that you can't contribute further. +Contributors will not make you feel bad about it either. +Realize that lots of contributors come and go every day. +Being busy with your day job or not having enough free time is a perfectly valid reason for not being able to contribute. +It's even possible that you might not feel a good fit with the team or organization. +You're entitled to offer help as a volunteer how you want and when you want. + +First and foremost, though, don't just vanish. +When a contributor or potential contributor agrees to do work, can't follow through for a valid reason, and vanishes, the team may not know the work can be reassigned. +In some cases, people in the team may even worry about the contributor's health or well being. + +When you've decided it's time for you to go or take a break, let your sponsor or the list know and let them know what you were working on. +Having people think you are working on something when you aren't slows the team down, and ultimately doesn't benefit you or the team. From 066a37b5a9cab860bbc99441b2f6e3a341a560ca Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Mick Kitterman Date: Oct 29 2023 09:51:50 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 2/4] Update README.md The current workflow for previewing the page locally is to just run `./builder.sh`. Making that change to reflect this, as well as linking to relevant documentation for folks to get Podman installed as I could not find this info on the developers portal. --- diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 3c49a81..94b7bc1 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -6,14 +6,8 @@ This repo includes scripts to build and preview the contents of this repository. NOTE: Please note that if you reference pages from other repositories, those links will be broken in the local preview, as it only builds this repository. If you want to rebuild the whole Fedora Docs site, see the Fedora Docs build repository for instructions. -Both of the below scripts use Podman, so ensure Podman is installed on your system before beginning (see below for Fedora instructions). See below for further instructions. +Both of the below scripts use Podman, so ensure [Podman is installed on your system](https://podman.io/docs/installation) before beginning (see below for Fedora instructions). See below for further instructions. To build and preview the site, run: -`./build.sh && ./preview.sh` - -The preview is hosted at http://localhost:8080. -Installing Podman on Fedora - -See the Fedora Developer Portal on how to install Podman on Fedora - +`./builder.sh` \ No newline at end of file From 1ad753e520d79f341274cd26eb14c39f8e8d6b16 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Mick Kitterman Date: Oct 29 2023 09:51:50 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 3/4] Update modules/ROOT/pages/index.adoc A huge thank you to Carl George for pointing this out to me - The admonition syntax I had previously used was incorrect and did not display properly. Fixing that now! --- diff --git a/modules/ROOT/pages/index.adoc b/modules/ROOT/pages/index.adoc index dbeba41..95a3cd9 100644 --- a/modules/ROOT/pages/index.adoc +++ b/modules/ROOT/pages/index.adoc @@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ We have a xref:welcome/welcome.adoc[Welcome to Fedora] process for new comers. If you can please get in touch with us on any of our <>, we'll get you started. NOTE: *Please be patient as this could take a day or two for one of us to get back with you for onboarding* +NOTE: *Please be patient as this could take a day or two for one of us to get back with you for onboarding* + + == Mission Different teams already have different, mostly well documented, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for From afdfd540db5f6687f237e791d7e608e19a7f802e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Mick Kitterman Date: Oct 29 2023 09:51:50 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 4/4] Doing a chore: Updating How to be a successful Contributor I hope that what I have written encompasses [Issue #19](https://pagure.io/fedora-join/fedora-join-docs/issue/19) Let me know how I can improve the doc further! --- diff --git a/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc b/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc index 61abb46..d324e0b 100644 --- a/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc +++ b/modules/ROOT/pages/contribute/successful-contributor.adoc @@ -1,176 +1,347 @@ include::ROOT:partial$attributes.adoc[] - + + + = How to be a successful contributor - + + + Audience for this document + -------------------------- -This document is targeted at people interested in contributing to the Fedora Project. -In the Fedora Project, students, professionals and hobbyists all come together to produce software, marketing materials, art, documentation, etc. -We all started as new volunteers at some point. -The items below are designed to help you through the process of joining a team. + +This document is targeted at people interested in contributing to the Fedora Project. + +In the Fedora Project, students, professionals and hobbyists all come together to produce software, marketing materials, art, documentation, etc. + +We all started as new volunteers at some point! + +The items below are designed to help you through the process of joining a team. + It helps you know what we expect of you and what you can expect of us. - + + + Things to know before you join + ------------------------------ -So you think that you would enjoy being a successful contributor to Fedora. -Great!! -You are most welcome. -Here are some thoughts to consider. -Everyone who joins a free software project does so with the best intentions of staying. -A few stay to become regular contributors, and fewer still become leaders within the project, and others lose interest. + +So you think that you would enjoy being a successful contributor to Fedora? + +Great!! + +You are most welcome. + +Here are some thoughts to consider: + + + +Everyone who joins a free software project does so with the best intentions of staying - A few stay to become regular contributors, and fewer still become leaders within the project, and others lose interest. + The biggest difference between those that stay and those that leave is "commitment and time". - -Time commitment ---------------- -A commitment requires reserving some time. -If you strongly believe you will enjoy what you are doing, consider your dedication of time. -Time commitment is as little as 4 hours per week. -Some volunteers may spend 15-30 hours per week contributing. -Doing that level of commitment while holding down a proper day job is a difficult time management skill. -As a volunteer, you should ask yourself whether you can devote 2-4 hours per week, even though it's less than an hour per day. -Four hours a week for most people is an entire afternoon one day. -That's a significant chunk of time. - -Get permission from work and family ------------------------------------ -Volunteering has great rewards in many ways. -The two most prominent ones are your success at introducing a person to Fedora, another is your own ego. -A third benefit is with your job. - -There is a mutually beneficial relationship between working for a living and volunteering. -Many contributors will find their skill sets at work increase dramatically just by having access to and learning from another environment. -This volunteering benefits employer and worker. -It is completely worthwhile to sit down with your employer and ask for permission to contribute during work hours, even if it's only a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon. -If you are married, make sure your family agrees to your being busy for this time commitment. -Your volunteering must be a win-win-win for the company, your family and you. -Explain the benefits to you, to the business, and your family. -Family is the important people in your social life. -(spouse, friends, parents, others). - -If work says no, then you will have to volunteer in your own time. -Your family may be enthusiastic to help you. -Volunteering is very rewarding. - + + + +What can you do to contribute? + +------------------------------ + +While the time and commitment _are important_, if you are here interacting with the community and spreading the good Fedora word to others, that in itself is a contibution! + +Maybe you just switched over from another distribution and were wildly impressed with something inside Fedora - let your friends and family know! + +Have some feedback? + +That is also contributing. + +You can also dedicate some time in the traditional sense if you are up for it. + +Some volunteer as little as four hours a week (~30 minutes a day), while others might go full bore and dedicate 15-30 hours a week! + +What ever you decide to do - + + + +Manage your time with work and family + +------------------------------------- + +Volunteering is both parts rewarding and time-consuming. + +Two of these benefits are with your ego and having success introducing someone to Fedora. + +It also looks *GREAT* on resumes! + + + +There is a mutual benefit between your nine-to-five and your efforts as a volunteer. + +Many contributors find that their skill sets increase dramatically by having the access to another environment and learning from said environment. + +If you plan to contribute during your working hours, it would be worthwile to speak with your employer and make sure that you area able to do so, even if that is just a couple hours on a Friday afternoon. + +If you are married, make sure that your family knows that you could be busy volunteering! + +We want this to be beneficial to all parties involved, so sitting down and explaining the benefits to interested parties is important. + + + +If work says no, then you will need to volunteer in your own free time. + +Your family may even be enthusiastic to help out in your efforts! + + + + + + + Joining + ------- - -The single biggest mistake most new contributors make is showing up "just wanting to contribute." It's important to take the time to observe the team (refer to the section below) and see how their work aligns with your own skills and personality. + + + +The single biggest mistake most new contributors make is showing up "just wanting to contribute." + +It's important to take the time to observe the team (refer to the section below) and see how their work aligns with your own skills and personality. + Know that getting work to do on day one is very rare, and those who are highly skilled in a specific technology will still have to take the time to get to know an environment before access is granted. - -For example, if you're a database expert it is very unlikely you'll be given access to databases (where personal info, passwords, etc are stored) within your first several weeks of volunteering. -If you're looking to become an ambassador, it is unlikely you'll get marketing materials shipped to you in your first week. -This may seem unfortunate, but it's necessary to keep the project members working well together. -The same can be said about any major changes, like a complete redesign of a system or a new look and feel for a website. -Don't get discouraged. + + + +For example, if you're a database expert it is very unlikely you'll be given access to databases (where personal info, passwords, etc are stored) within your first several weeks of volunteering. + +If you're looking to become an ambassador, it is unlikely you'll get marketing materials shipped to you in your first week. + +This may seem unfortunate, but it's necessary to keep the project members working well together. + +The same can be said about any major changes, like a complete redesign of a system or a new look and feel for a website. + +Don't get discouraged. + Show up as often as you can, and get to know the team. - + + + Observation + ----------- - -It is important to get to know the organization and teams you are looking to work with before you try to join them. -Learn what they do and how they do it, and try to get to know the people involved. -It is extremely unlikely you will be able to actually contribute from day one. + + + +It is important to get to know the organization and teams you are looking to work with before you try to join them. + +Learn what they do and how they do it, and try to get to know the people involved. + +It is extremely unlikely you will be able to actually contribute from day one. + In organizations with hundreds or thousands of people working together, understanding how things work is critical. - -Don't be shy about asking questions and getting to know people. -Plan to spend several days or even weeks attending meetings, emailing on mailing lists and hanging out on IRC before you get to do any actual work. + + + +Don't be shy about asking questions and getting to know people. + +Plan to spend several days or even weeks attending meetings, emailing on mailing lists and hanging out on IRC before you get to do any actual work. + Offer suggestions on topics being discussed, and share any experiences (good or bad) you've had that is relevant to the discussion. - -Part of observing and making constructive suggestions may require withholding judgment. -When making suggestions, don't assume you come with all of the answers or that the Fedora Project is ''doing it all wrong.'' -There is a good chance we can improve the way we are doing things, however most of our current practices were developed over long periods of time after lengthy discussion. + + + +Part of observing and making constructive suggestions may require withholding judgment. + +When making suggestions, don't assume you come with all of the answers or that the Fedora Project is ''doing it all wrong.'' + +There is a good chance we can improve the way we are doing things, however most of our current practices were developed over long periods of time after lengthy discussion. + Your criticism may be better received once you have established yourself in the community and are perceived as understanding our culture. - + + + Pick what you want to work on + ----------------------------- - -It's your job to decide what you want to work on. -Pick something that's important to you and something you have passion for. -You'll see this advice repeated several times in this document: Don't just show up looking to have work assigned to you. -Get to know the teams and procedures they have in place. + + + +It's your job to decide what you want to work on. + +Pick something that's important to you and something you have passion for! + +You'll see this advice repeated several times in this document: Don't just show up looking to have work assigned to you. + +Get to know the teams and procedures they have in place. + Ask questions and really get to know what you're going to be working on _before_ trying to work on it. - + + + Don't jump into the deep end + ---------------------------- - -When picking something to work on, don't be the sole person to take on a huge task as your first contribution. -Picking a task that's too large significantly raises the chances of failure. -Also don't pick several things on several teams to work on. -Start small, picking at most one or two things, and grow from there. -The key is slow, steady, and sustainable growth. -Don't join with the immediate goal of becoming the next leader of the project. + + + +When picking something to work on, don't be the sole person to take on a huge task as your first contribution. + +Picking a task that's too large significantly raises the chances of failure. + +Also don't pick several things on several teams to work on. + +Start small, picking at most one or two things, and grow from there. + +The key is slow, steady, and sustainable growth. + +Don't join with the immediate goal of becoming the next leader of the project. + Start small. - + + + First contact + ------------- -After you've decided what you're looking to do and what team you are looking to do it with, it's time to send an introduction to the list. + +After you've decided what you're looking to do and what team you are looking to do it with, it's time to send an introduction to the list. + When sending an introduction (usually by mail list), include the following information: - + + + * Name + * Time Zone / Country + * Basic skills and experiences + * Why you're joining + * What you're looking to do (be specific) + * How much time you can contribute (usually hours per week) - - -If any of the above questions are not clearly answered, don't send the email yet. -You're not ready. -Remember, be specific about what type of work you're looking to do. -Saying "Whatever needs to get done" isn't helping anyone. -Saying "I'd like to help document system A," "I'd like to translate software for my native language," or "I noticed this webapp is particularly slow sometimes and I'd like to help fix that" is perfect. - + + + +As stated above, you can contibute _in many ways_! + +If you _are_ looking for a more standard way to contribute, however, be specific about what you are after! + +As much as, "Whatever needs to be done" looks great, saying "I'd like to help document system A," "I'd like to translate software for my native language," or "I noticed this webapp is particularly slow sometimes and I'd like to help fix that" is perfect. + + + + + + + Find a mentor or sponsor + ------------------------ -This step is both incredibly difficult and important. Finding a proper sponsor will increase your chances of being a successful contributor significantly. -Sometimes it's absolutely required. + +This step is both incredibly difficult and important. + +Finding a proper sponsor will increase your chances of being a successful contributor significantly. + +Sometimes it's absolutely required. + A sponsor will help with training, introductions and teaching new contributors how a team works. - -Most teams have mailing lists. -Email the list, say you're looking for a sponsor, and explain what you are wanting to do. -If you haven't heard back in a few days, reply saying that you are still looking. -''Keep doing this.'' + + + +Most teams have mailing lists. + +Email the list, say you're looking for a sponsor, and explain what you are wanting to do. + +If you haven't heard back in a few days, reply saying that you are still looking. + +''Keep doing this.'' + Most sponsors are people that have been in the project for a long time, and are often very busy. - -They don't mean to be rude and don't want to send the impression they don't want new contributors. -It's just that at the moment, some people will assume other people will take care of you and so for the moment, no one does. -This is a common problem -- in real life as well as in online communities -- and a difficult one to fix. -But sticking to it and continuing to ask for help without being annoying will show that you are serious and ready to contribute. + + + +They don't mean to be rude and don't want to send the impression they don't want new contributors. + +It's just that at the moment, some people will assume other people will take care of you and so for the moment, no one does. + +This is a common problem -- in real life as well as in online communities -- and a difficult one to fix. + +But sticking to it and continuing to ask for help without being annoying will show that you are serious and ready to contribute. + Don't send this kind of message more than once every couple of days, but be positive, and persistent if needed. - + + + Contributing + ------------ -Once you've got something to work on, it's time to actually do work. -The first several tasks you will work on will likely be small or maybe mundane. -Do them consistently, conscientiously and well. + +Once you've got something to work on, it's time to actually do work. + +The first several tasks you will work on will likely be small or maybe mundane. + +Do them consistently, conscientiously and well. + This will raise the level of trust you have from the other team members. - -As with other volunteer organizations, there are high turnover rates in the free software universe. -Training volunteers is time consuming, especially for more complex tasks, and requires a commitment from currently busy volunteers. -Spending days or weeks training someone only for them to vanish can be disheartening for mentors and sponsors. + + + +As with other volunteer organizations, there are high turnover rates in the free software universe. + +Training volunteers is time consuming, especially for more complex tasks, and requires a commitment from currently busy volunteers. + +Spending days or weeks training someone only for them to vanish can be disheartening for mentors and sponsors. + By giving out small tasks that have been hanging around, a sponsor can help you take small but vital steps, and learn whether or not the work you're going to be doing is really for you. - + + + Look for work + ------------- -If you have access to a repository, system, or content, consider yourself a partial owner. -This doesn't mean you should immediately re-design everything. -Remember that other owners have time and effort invested in the current material as well. -It does mean, though, that you should take pride in the work you are doing. -If you see something not quite right, do research on it and notify the list. + +If you have access to a repository, system, or content, consider yourself a partial owner. + +This doesn't mean you should immediately re-design everything. + +Remember that other owners have time and effort invested in the current material as well. + +It does mean, though, that you should take pride in the work you are doing. + +If you see something not quite right, do research on it and notify the list. + Seek work out, keep yourself busy and help others. - + + + Quitting + -------- -If you've found you've over-committed or decide volunteering isn't for you, that's OK. You don't need to be embarrassed that you can't contribute further. -Contributors will not make you feel bad about it either. -Realize that lots of contributors come and go every day. -Being busy with your day job or not having enough free time is a perfectly valid reason for not being able to contribute. -It's even possible that you might not feel a good fit with the team or organization. + +If you've found you've over-committed or decide volunteering isn't for you, that's OK. + +You don't need to be embarrassed that you can't contribute further. + +Contributors will not make you feel bad about it either. + +Realize that lots of contributors come and go every day. + +Being busy with your day job or not having enough free time is a perfectly valid reason for not being able to contribute. + +It's even possible that you might not feel a good fit with the team or organization. + You're entitled to offer help as a volunteer how you want and when you want. - -First and foremost, though, don't just vanish. -When a contributor or potential contributor agrees to do work, can't follow through for a valid reason, and vanishes, the team may not know the work can be reassigned. + + + +First and foremost, though, don't just vanish. + +When a contributor or potential contributor agrees to do work, can't follow through for a valid reason, and vanishes, the team may not know the work can be reassigned. + In some cases, people in the team may even worry about the contributor's health or well being. - -When you've decided it's time for you to go or take a break, let your sponsor or the list know and let them know what you were working on. -Having people think you are working on something when you aren't slows the team down, and ultimately doesn't benefit you or the team. + + + +When you've decided it's time for you to go or take a break, let your sponsor or the list know and let them know what you were working on. + +Having people think you are working on something when you aren't slows the team down, and ultimately doesn't benefit you or the team. \ No newline at end of file