To Be Continuous: Payment Strategies for Developers

In this episode of To Be Continuous, Edith Harbaugh and Paul Biggar discuss the nature of open source software development. They talk about how people's motivations for contributing to open source projects can vary greatly, from a desire to improve their coding skills to a need for additional income. The hosts also touch on the challenges that come with managing an open source project, such as dealing with unrealistic expectations from users and balancing the needs of different stakeholders. The conversation then shifts to the topic of workplace productivity and how technology can sometimes hinder rather than help in this regard. Edith and Paul discuss their own strategies for staying focused while working on software projects, including turning off notifications and setting aside dedicated time for coding tasks. They also consider the potential implications of emerging technologies like Google Glass and Apple Watch, which could further blur the lines between work and personal life. Towards the end of the episode, Edith and Paul delve into the issue of funding for open source projects. They explore some of the different approaches that have been tried in this area, such as asking companies to contribute money based on their usage of certain pieces of software. The hosts also reflect on the broader question of what it means for something to be truly "open source," and how this concept has evolved over time. Overall, this episode provides a thought-provoking look at some of the key issues facing the open source community today. It offers valuable insights into the motivations and challenges faced by both developers and users in this space, as well as highlighting the potential pitfalls associated with relying too heavily on technology to manage our work lives.