Re: new contributor annoyances (was Re: Interesting learnings about Guix contributor dynamics that apply to Debian?)
> > Debian has certainly done many things right in the past 30 years, but
> > treatment of new contributors is currently pretty harsh, considering
> > how many cracks and false turns they need to overcome on to become
> > regular contributors.
>
> The impact successive roadblocks can have on new contributors motivation
> and retention is likely to be underestimated by many long-time
> developers as a consequence of survivor bias.
Yes, indeed. Many are complacent with their "local optimum" and
everything works for them, but getting there required most likely a
large amount of setup work.
..
> I would first try to improve the Salsa registration process. I
> understand the need to prevent recurrent abuse, but the current manual
> approval process with its delay and lack of feedback when things go
> wrong is likely to discourage casual contributors, as what could have
> been done in a few minutes now requires attention over multiple hours or
> days.
This used to be a recurring problem for new people I mentor, but the
login screen was improved significantly a few months back, see
https://salsa.debian.org/salsa/support/-/issues/467#note_598960
I agree with most of the annoyances you list. I recommend you find the
existing issues, and +1 them (or file new ones, but I think every
issue already has a bug report somewhere). Onnce you have the list of
issues, considering picking the one you feel is most important and
contribute to fixing it, and report back to this list if the thing is
owned by someone who is reluctant to accept contributions to get more
visibility.
- Otto
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