Contribute to open source
intro / demo
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
Git knowledge not required
Contributions can help you
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
Show employers that you can use Git tools
Add to your portfolio
Show how you can improve docs
Demonstrate your writing skill
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
Many of our docs need rewrites
We want our docs to be easy to read
We've targeted > 10 pages to rewrite
Show us your skill!
It's easier than you think
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
Open https://github.com/nginx/documentation
Select Discussions
Find "If you're new to Git"
Join us!
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
Contribute to an Open Source Repository
We'll show you how
Table 4: "over there"
Setup
Sign up for GitHub
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
https://github.com/signup
Technical Writer
-
Author (RHCE)
-
Linux Annoyances for Geeks
-
Linux user since 1999
-
Principal Technical Writer, NGINX (F5)
CC0
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Background
Linux user since 1999
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Open source
https://github.com/nginx/documentation
Why contribute
Real-world experience
Build a portfolio
Work with other writers / developers
Why contribute
Get the interview
Impress potential future co-workers
Support your job search
Get the job offer!
What is open source?
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Sets up collaboration, transparancy, and innovation
Code that anyone can view, modify, and share
Examples
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Links
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Open source licenses
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Transparant and secure
Freedom to modify and share
Community-driven
The license matters
Open source license options
https://github.com/nginx/documentation/
https://slides.com/mike-1/contribute-to-open-source
Permissive
"copyleft"
Creative Commons
Time for a lawyer
https://www.f5.com/products/nginx
How to contribute
Find a "Good first issue"
Demo time!
Alternative: GitLab "Quick win" issues
Time for a volunteer!
Find a "Good first issue"
Pair programming (I'll tell you what to do)
Demo time!
Candidate issue
Demo time!
Follow along
https://github.com/nginx/documentation
I'd like a volunteer
Swag!
Demo time!
Follow along
https://github.com/nginx/documentation
I'd like a volunteer
Swag!
1. Choosing open source
When is it "right" for the business
Open source and business objectives
-
Market leader
-
Easier to work with customers
-
Help from the community
-
Talent pipeline
-
Business model
Docs
Essential to open source
2. Ensuring Security and Compliance
Auditing for sensitive data and choosing the right license.
3. Preparing for Contributors
- Setting up contributor guides
- Creating maintainer guides
4. Growing the Community Pipeline
Creating meaningful "good first issues" to attract new contributors.
5. Celebrating Contributions
Swag and recognition for contributors!
6. Structuring Hackathons
Engaging the community through collaborative events.
Hackathons: vision
Hackathons: use cases
Write the Docs 2025: Contribute to an open source repository
By Mike
