if we look at the steadily growing number of applications initiated e.g. by the iOS developer program and compare it to our OpenPhoenux, there is obviously some fundamental factor driving one and missing in the other...
Thousands of students and developers are subscribing to such programs for one reason: it opens an opportunity to earn some money. While pure FLOSS projects have no such direct return. Well, FLOSS is a lot of fun, gives reputation and knowledge, but if you can get additional benefits through such programs, the choice is obvious. Especially in times where it is no longer for sure that one has a paid full-time job + enough spare time for volunteer work. Since money and freedom are not antagonists ("free as in "free speech" and not in "free beer"), I think we should try to combine both to the benefit of our OpenPhoenux project. The first step is to create a program [1] where developers (and other contributors) can subscribe who are interested in getting some money as compensation for non-volunteer (i.e. directed with clear targets, deliverables and deadlines) work. So that we know them and their expertise areas and levels. The idea is that there is a mailing list where we (the project leading team) propose subtasks needing development (e.g. camera driver, bug fixing etc.) and interested developers can also make proposals what they could offer. The rough idea is to resemble a permantently installed GSoC that is not limited to students. Or e.g. the Linux kernel and other FLOSS projects where companies send employees to contribute. But there may also be non-software tasks to be done, e.g. hardware development, marketing etc. Where does the money come from? The plan is that it comes from some % of the hardware sales of OpenPhoenux devices (as soon as the fundamental production problems are vanquished). And from donations. Currently there isn't very much honey in pot, but it is not completely empty (thanks to some donations). So the more OpenPhoenux devices are sold, the more money becomes available for the developer program. This makes the OpenPhoenux better and better and more attractive to new users who buy devices - forming a positive feedback loop. So this is just a start of the idea and the details may be refined in the future based on the experiences we make in this process. Nikolaus PS: this is not limited to future devices but also for new developments for the GTA01/GTA02 which we think as part of the OpenPhoenux family. [1]: http://projects.goldelico.com/p/openphoenux/page/PaidDeveloper/ _______________________________________________ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community