Re: Helping new contributors

[Paul Sutton]

On 09/04/2021 12:39, Jean Louis wrote:
> * Paul Sutton via libreplanet-discuss <libreplanet-discuss@libreplanet.org> 
> [2021-04-09 14:08]:
> > Hi All
> >
> > In an effort to try and recruit and importantly help find more developers at
> > all levels I am trying to reach out to people locally.
> >
> > I think what is needed here, is a clearly laid out pathway in to free
> > software contribution using free software tools.
>
> Which software in particular?

Who ever needs help
> > So for example, a project needs to make it clear which programming languages
> > / frameworks or skills are needed, from there we can find ways to helping
> > learners develop those skills
>
> I would not say so, as it is not a company with limited resources. We
> are society and we contribute our knowledge and skills as we wish and
> want, thus there is no limit in our resources. That is why it is not
> good to say in free software projects that specific skills or
> programming languages are needed.
>
> Instead, welcoming everybody's contribution is better approach. This
> is how it was done for many years. This process then helps that some
> people give only suggestions, some people will donate, some will
> become fans and promoters, some will contribute patches, and some will
> enter into core development teams.

Agreed
> My suggestions is not to say which skills or programming languages are
> needed. But I understand you are browsing list of programmers and wish
> to ask them to contribute.
>
> Then think about specific project and find yourself what is required,
> and try to find people that way.

Ok,  i think I am too used to the way people recruit for jobs,

> > How can we take people from having some basic IT knowledge and then
> > help them develop further, without it taking up masses of our time
> > (unless people pay us of course)
>
> Simple. Open up computer club. Put several computers, advertise and
> people will come from the area to learn. Ask them to pay memberships
> and come as many times as they wish and want. This is great activity,
> I have been doing it.

Well we do have the south devon tech jam which covers stem,  until we 
can get back to meeting face to face then opportunity to promote is more 
limited.
> Then schedule programming classes. I have been teaching people already
> as minor. Let them teach each other, we programmed in machine language
> on peculiar computers, even today we do not know their names.
>
> I have same intention now, I have soon enough computers to start, some
> furniture and room space and people, it can work. I will inform here
> when it starts. It will be named GNU Free Software Club.

Sounds good
> > It would just be useful to have some sort of backing to this. I have joined
> > DebianAcademy team to help develop materials, so they are working on a
> > packaging course, and a few others.  I created a course on LaTeX
> > presentations, so people could contribute)
>
> Great. There are free computer courses online already on
> Wikiversity. Consider contributing into that
> database. https://www.wikiversity.org/
>
> https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Computer

Cool thanks,  could be a good place to list my study support group, 
granted it is not all computing but there are more and more elements of 
computer / data science in other subjects, so basic coding is needed. 
If I can bring people together that will help.

> > I am just concerned that if we insist on using fully free software
> > tool online tools, people are not going to bother, they will however
>
> I don't bother about that, computer club will be named GNU Free
> Software Club and it will be clear from beginning what it is about. If
> they use some software at their home, it does not matter, but in the
> club, in physical space there will be no such.
>
> > I can present an idea to people locally (Torbay, Devon), but I am under the
> > serious impression we need to spell out EXACTLY what people are to expect
> > and learn, rather than suggesting a general idea.
>
> For each class of knowledge you teach people different things.
>
> Please state clearly purpose of your project?
>
> > By doing this ourselves, as advocates of free software, we can
> > include links to why free software methologies are better, even if
> > we have to be a little flexible in what we use for support and
> > communication, Discourse my not be ideal, but would we rather people
> > used facebook or discord?
>
> Of course not Facebook. It is very easy to establish XMPP chat, it can
> be on the website or by using various applications, it will work from
> any device. There are other free software communication packages.
>
> > My support group is about respecting privacy /user freedom as much
> > as possible.
>
> In that case how can you use Facebook as a tool? Do you know that FB
> data has been leaked for 522 millions?

I am saying i am not going to use facebook hence I want to use 
discourse, irc, etc,   My point is, that while discourse may not be 100 
percent free software  it s better than facebook.
> https://hyperscope.link/3/6/8/5/8/Direct-download-of-533M-Facebook-users-phone-numbers-and-personal-data-have-been-leaked-online-36858.html

I just hope the EU hit them with a nice massive fine for this,  people 
use facebook and can't get off it, (mentally that is) so what ever 
facebook does,  won't change that mindset.
> > We can use BBB for classroom type chat, over using zoom or teams.
>
> BBB like in good old times? Which one?
I was thinking more of big blue button,  but actually bulletin board 
could work too.


Paul


> Jean
>
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> https://www.fsf.org/campaigns
>
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--
Paul Sutton, Cert Cont Sci (Open)
https://personaljournal.ca/paulsutton/
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