One thing I have learn through the years is that everyone can contribute to open source. Whenever you are 13 17 or 69 years old. Whenever you have poor english communication skills or you have some kind of limitation open source is about doing.
So if you are a new comer to open source here is some tips that might help you understand and learn from my experiences in how these communities are structured.
The website, usually the central point where every potential contributor will encounter the community or it works. Google might be a good starting point to find this website. Just name the project and feel lucky. It might be your first google reply.
Once on the website you will have key things too look into:
- About page or description page will give you the outline of the project. Please read it carefully since this is the main goal why there is a community.
- Screenshots - if you havent seen the product you might need to download but if you are in a hurry, screenshots might be a quick way to peak on the product.
- Download now you can download it and install it and start testing.
- Mailing lists, this is the most important link, usually the
core communication channel wtih the community and it's people is
the mailinglist. Join in and participate.
- Wiki pages is probably your quickest way to become a contributor, the quick access to content will make you a content manager editing and optimizing information.
- Issue tracker is a more technical tool but also you should use to report issues on the project. Mails could help you verify your issue.
Remember if you are a busy person you can always contribute with money to an open source project. Most people decide not to and many projects fail to capitalize however projects with stronger leadership can make a good budget and really expand the development of the community.
