This short video clip gives some tips on collaborating on open source projects. Tips include how to make the most of your time, and how not to burn yourself out.


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Video Transcription

watchmojo.com You will eventually need to communicate with the project leader and other team members in order to avoid wasting your time developing features and contributing fixes that the maintainer or the project owner really does not want to use in the end after all. For the same reason, you should talk to the project maintainer and let them know what it is you intend to work on. If you are lucky, you will find out that some other people are there ahead and you can join in an already existing team. As a team member, you really have to be able to try and respect the wishes of the project owner. However, you do have the source code and if you feel strongly enough, you can always fork the code. As with every freedom though, a little restraint needs to be exercised, otherwise, your project is labeled to end up in forking hell and that does not benefit anyone. Hacking on code can sometimes be a lonely and a think less task. And it sometimes leads to situations of social atrophy and core personal hygiene. Do not let this person be you. Get outside, smell the roses. In that way, when you get back to your computer, you can—your code that much more efficiently. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. Enjoy yourself. watchmojo.com