[frde_me]

I don't think dropping a random software developer into a random project to do their open source duty would end well

It takes a _lot_ of time for someone to meaningfully contribute to a project, and would just result in maintainers having the overhead of training that many new people on a project

I'd much rather figure out a way to finance those open source projects in a sustainable way where those projects can decide to hire full time employees.

[InexSquirrel]

Completely agree. I'd rather have the people that want to be there, to be involved.

An alternative take I'd rather see is "Employers guarantee 8 hours per week of time to work on open-source projects, including ones I start myself". Employer gets no IP stake in the project, and it's done for public good + a means to allow employees to upskill.

Otherwise it just becomes a case of another grindset. You're expected to do more, with the limited free time you have.

[lovich]

> Completely agree. I'd rather have the people that want to be there, to be involved.

It’s like the strategic difference between relying on a volunteer army vs conscription

[nzeid]

Dead on. Financing is the most urgent need, not contributors.