It took me a minute to parse the language, but I think Fred is saying he asked 3 people to kick in $50 each ($150 total) to write some code for them and they weren't interested. I agree that the foss model is overwhelming and confusing for many. I think we are each of us passionate about Drupal, to varying degrees of course, and our work generally falls into one of 2 categories: stuff we are personally passionate about (usually ends up as contribs), and work we get paid for. On many occasions, someones skill and passion intersects with someone elses need, and they end up with what they need for no cost. Often times this isn't the case. Probably preaching to the choir here. For me, an hourly rate is compensation primarily for using time which could otherwise be spent on stuff I'm personally passionate about. That is of course not to say that we as consultants aren't passionate about paid work, usually just the opposite. Unless the pay is so stellar that manufacturing passion is realistic (hey, it happens!), I try to take paid gigs that align with my interests-I think that's best for everyone. Fwiw. D On Aug 17, 2009, at 12:24 PM, Robert Douglass <rob@robshouse.net> wrote:
Fred - I was just joking, of course.
I'm not surprised that nobody responded to your offer. $50 is a very low price to pay for a feature/module, but many people are overwhelmed by the "freeness" of it all, and mistake open source with "at no cost". Chances are there is also some company out there willing to pay thousands for the same feature/module. Making efficient markets is essential.
And as for rewards, I can tell you that the most rewarding thing I do at work on any day is cvs commit -m "new feature for apachesolr"
I can't explain it, but it tops all other forms of professional satisfaction. I enjoy developing modules so much that it's a dream come true that someone pays me to do it.
Glad you're looking for ways to help - it generated a good thread!
-Robert
----Original Message----- From: Fred Jones <fredthejonester@gmail.com> To: development@drupal.org, rob@robshouse.net Subject: Re: [development] Why I don't Upload a Module to Drupal Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:08:01 +0300
You lazy blood sucking pig! (did that confirm your worst fears? ;-)
Hey, were you writing to me or the OP? :)
Something interesting I could say is that I once saw 3 people post on d.o about the same feature they wanted. I figured I could code it up in a few hours. So I emailed all 3 and told them I was emailing all 3 and said if each of you wants to cough up fifty smackers, I will code it. I was a bit more professional in my language of course. ;)
But guess what? Not even one responded.
Maybe they're "lazy blood sucking pigs" also, eh?
I really admire those folks who put in hours to make and maintain big modules and of course core itself. Always wondered really how they do it. Nobody's giving them any awards for it I don't think.
F