Attention Allocation in Open Source
How does one appropriately allocate attention to open source projects?
Limiting Attention with a Tiered APproach
Homebrew’s lead maintainer Mike McQuaid limits his available attention by using a tiered approach to managing contributions:
- First-time contributors: need documentation, code quality checks etc.
- Second-time contributors: provide a more detailed code review
- Third-time contributors: warrants individual, focused attention, including providing mentorship, suggesting additional areas of contribution
Redirecting to User Support Systems
Distribute costs by redirecting tasks to users (e.g. forums)
Meeting Demands by Increasing Available Attention
Bring on more active contributors, or find ways to increase the personal attention that can be expended on the project.