Ask HN: Why do you people make open-source projects?

[karimdag]

I was just wondering: why ? You're not getting paid, you're giving your own time, (sometimes) you're giving up sleep.. Don't get me wrong though I'm not complaining, I'm really grateful (so a MILLION thank you). I just want to know what drives you to do so.

[coreyp_1]

For me, it's the opportunity to create something that I have a vision for, but that also is of use to others. The worst thing in the world would be to create something that nobody cares about. I view coding as art, and what artist would want his art to be unappreciated?

Secondly, the projects are a tool, but often they are of a complexity that makes it difficult for just one single person to complete. By making it open source, it invites others to partake in the beauty of project, and together, to be able to accomplish more than you could on your own.

Lastly, by many people collaborating on a useful tool, it will often eventually pay for itself as the contributors find ways to monetize their knowledge and experience by loosely-related, tangential projects.

If you want to join in on a Node.js based project: https://github.com/coreyp1/defiant

[karimdag]

Oh!.. Btw, 21. That made my day.

[chippy]

> You're not getting paid, you're giving your own time

Many if not most open source developers get paid and do it for a living. Ask yourself "why" is another, possibly better question.

[karimdag]

Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks for the info!

[bpmedley]

For me, it's the hope of realizing equality.

[jacalata]

Google has a ton of results for this question.

[karimdag]

Yeah I know but everyone is different plus I wanted to have a conversation with people and not just be a passive reader.