Thanks for this, Alex. This is good stuff and very important for us all
to think about. The other day someone asked me why I work on apache
projects. My stock response used to be that I do this because I like to
code and I want to "give back" something to the community who produce
the great apache products that we all use. This is all true, but does
not explain the passion (and sometimes pain) and attachment that we all
experience here. The code is like the food in a restaurant - a good
reason to go there and drink ;-) And drink we do...Cheers!
Thanks again for sharing.
Phil
Alex Karasulu wrote:
Hi all,
I've been following some conversations on some private Apache mailing
lists recently regarding the "Apache Way" and have had conversations
with friends about it in passing. Without disclosing the exact
conversations I'd like to make a few points. These conversations
helped me to understand once again what we're all about in the end.
Sometimes we all get a bit stressed out about OSS and each other
because we're all passionate people and love what we do here. It is
very important not to loose sight of each other as people. Swimming in
a sea of code is not what it's all about.
A friend keeps quoting the following song in emails. He does so I
think to relieve nervous tension that can result when we sometimes rub
each other the wrong way. Here are the lyrics:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/garbage/thetrickistokeepbreathing.html
It's important to stop and take a breath. Realize you have friends and
people that appreciate you here at the ASF. Realize the ASF is not a
click but a group of living and breathing people that care about one
another. Flame wars and the occasional brushing of personalities aside
this really is the case.
Another friend said to me that it is important not to have a thick skin
sometimes. Yes be sensitive but confront any social tensions openly
and sincerely. Put feelings on the table and trust our friends who
have this tight bond to do right by us. That trust goes a long way.
I have found in my years now (wow) at the ASF true wealth is in the
quality of friendships and relationships I have had. I know this all
sounds like a mushy touchy feely email but please try to look beyond
that. To me, the people is what the Apache Way is about ... not just
the code. I'm not putting down the code but the code is just a
substrate for a social phenomenon. The code is a direct reflection of
who we are in the purest sense. Computer science is a misnomer,
writing code is really an art form. So when we write code it is a
matter of self expression and we share that with each other under a
social context. Who are we expressing our selves the most to? In the
end it is always about people. Think about what it's like without
having the people there to share and comment about your ideas and means
of thinking. The people bring the code to life. They help us learn
and improve.
This is why community is at the forefront at the ASF. This is why we
could not have graduated incubation with just the code. I'm very proud
of how this community has grown and the people involved in it. It's
touching and a bit mushy but I don't care. I have friends and a light
skin but my strength is in trusting them knowing that I am not error free.
Let's remind ourselves when we stress out and perhaps rub each other
the wrong way that we're compadres first and foremost. BTW I'm not
writing this email because of anything negative that happened nor am I
anticipating it. Just wanted to share in this repeated realization
that does not come all to often.
Sincerely,
Alex Karasulu
