Intimidated by FOSS’ Reputation
The first roadblock you may face is that you may not feel up to contributing at all. Across its decades of life, FOSS has developed a bit of a reputation: It’s difficult to contribute. You won’t receive help even if you ask. The community members are unfriendly, judgmental, and unwelcoming. There’s a pervasive attitude of “suck it up, buttercup, we did it the hard way and so should you.” Community members are aggressive and insulting when faced with opposing opinions or imperfect contributions. The only way to thrive in FOSS is by having a thick skin and by “looking out for number one.”
This is the reputation, and I’m sorry to report that it’s based in reality. All of the bad characteristics I listed have occurred ...
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