Hello,
Currently, when newcomers come to Fedora and look to join the project, we have a task-oriented system. We tend to say "Find something to do, get started---ask for help when you need to!"
Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. It's a passive, task oriented model. Some tasks require newcomers to learn quite a few tools and skills. While newcomers do meet other Fedora contributors, the focus here is on using the task to become a part of Fedora.
We thought we could try a new people-centric approach.
Fedora is not the OS. Fedora is the people. The OS and all the cool deliverables we produce are merely means to achieve our goal---promoting Free and Open Source Software.
So, in this new system, when newcomers come to Fedora, we try to get them to meet the people first. Once they've met the people and become part of the Fedora community, we help them learn the skills and contribute to our deliverables.
We discussed this with the Mindshare team and got positive feedback so we're now putting this in motion: https://pagure.io/mindshare/issue/147
Here are the implementation details:
- Newcomers will be directed to a page like this: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Welcome
- We'll encourage them to come and speak to people in the Fedora-Join channels.
- We'll help them create an FAS account if they don't have one yet.
- We'll file a ticket for them here: https://pagure.io/fedora-join/Welcome-to-Fedora
- We'll help them explore Fedora, learn what tools and processes we use.
- If needed, we'll add them to a FAS group temporarily so that they can edit the wiki etc.
- We'll keep in touch with them regularly using the ticket to see where we can help.
The final idea is that over time as they get comfortable with the people, and infrastructure that we use, they will find something that interests them and also contribute to our goal.
The system will not be perfect right from the start---we'll keep tweaking it as we go. Feedback is welcome. If you want to help, please reply to this e-mail and we'll find you something to do ;)
Tickets filed for this:
- https://pagure.io/fedora-join/Fedora-Join/issue/160 - https://pagure.io/fedora-join/Fedora-Join/issue/161 - https://pagure.io/fedora-join/Fedora-Join/issue/162