ignite format: what science fiction can teach us about building communities
DESCRIPTION
This is the shortened, 5 minute edition of the longer presentation found here: http://www.slideshare.net/geekygirldawn/what-science-fiction-can-teach-us-about-building-communities-edinburgh Communities are one of the defining attributes that shape every open source project, not unlike how Asimov's 3 laws of robotics shape the behavior of robots and provide the checks and balances that help make sure that robots and community members continue to play nicely with others. When looking at open source communities from the outside, they may seem small and well-defined until you realize that they seem much larger and complex on the inside, and they may even have a mind of their own, not unlike the TARDIS from Doctor Who. We can even learn how we should not behave in our communities by learning more about the Rules of Acquisition and doing the opposite of what a good Ferengi would do. My favorite rules to avoid include, "Greed is eternal", â"You can always buy back a lost reputation" and "When in doubt, lie". This session focuses on tips told through science fiction.TRANSCRIPT
WHAT SCIENCE FICTION CAN TEACH US ABOUT
BUILDING COMMUNITIESDawn M. Foster
Community Lead at Puppet Labs@geekygirldawn
WHOAMI
• Geek, traveler, reader
• Past 12 years doing community & open source
• Read 73 books last year, mostly sci-fi / fantasy
• I keep a list:http://fastwonderblog.com/about/reading/
Photos by Josh Bancroft, Don Park
BIGGER ON THE INSIDE
Have to go inside and participate
to really understand the community
ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE
Not about the leaders,
it’s about everyone
who participates
DON’T GO TOO FAR
Understand and learn first
before participating
DON’T BE A REDSHIRT
Participate and contribute
in a noticeable way
Read John Scalzi’s ‘Redshirts’
SHARE USEFUL SKILLS
Learn and share new ideas
with the rest of the team
3 LAWS AND GUIDELINES
Guidelines / code of conduct
that change and evolve as needed
ANDROIDS AND EMPATHY
Don’t act like an android,
show empathy and
consider the impact of your actions
NO MONSTERS
Different isn’t bad,
disagree with ideas,
not the person
WHUFFIE
Reputation is currency,
do good and
recognize others
MANAGE GROWTH
Gradual growth
to keep with new contributions
and maintain your culture
OUTLAST THEM
Be patient and
allow others to participate
CONTROL ISSUES
Maintain balance
to keep things productive
while not being too controlling
PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
Travel and
meet interesting people
working on global projects
MENTORING
Train the next generation
and help others succeed
THE YOUNG CAN CONTRIBUTE
Age is often unknown,
encourage young people
to contribute
STRONG WOMEN
Encourage women in our field
and get more women
speaking at our events
DON’T PANIC
Things will go wrong
keep things in perspective
calmly recover
THANK YOUContact info: Dawn Foster
Some of my favorite modern sci-fi / fantasy authors:Hugh Howey
Lois McMaster BujoldBrandon Sanderson
Connie Willis