Episode 262: Brian Muenzenmeyer on Approachable Open Source

Guest

Brian Muenzenmeyer

Panelists

Richard Littauer | Abbigail Cabunoc Mayes

Show Notes

In this episode of Sustain, host Richard Littauer is joined by co-host Abigail Cabunoc Mayes and guest Brian Muenzenmeyer, a seasoned open source contributor. Brian shares his journey in web development, his experiences with burnout, and insights from his new book, Approachable Open Source. Some key topics discussed include contributing to open source projects, community building, maintaining balance, and funding models for sustainability. This episode emphasizes the role of diverse contributions and the importance of creating accessible avenues for all kinds of contributions in open source. Press download now to hear more!

[00:01:40] Brian discusses his book, which offers practical advice for navigating open source. He reflects on his career journey, from early contributions to burnout and recovery. He shares his humble beginnings with jQuery Mobile and the steps that led him to maintain major projects like Pattern Lab.

[00:04:21] Brian opens up about his experience with burnout and how it influenced the writing of his book.

[00:06:42] Brian emphasizes the importance of designing sustainable open source communities.

[00:08:41] Richard, Brian, and Abby explore the concept of “pace layers” in open source, highlighting the dynamic balance between innovation and stability.

[00:14:10] Chapter 7 in Brian’s book is discussed where Brian advocates for corporate contributions to open source and shares tips for individuals looking to get involved.

[00:20:04] Brian provides practical advice for maintainers, including time management, fostering diverse roles, and creating approachable entry points for contributors.

[00:25:01] The conversation delves into the challenges of improving diversity in open source communities and the importance of celebrating successes.

[00:28:39] Find out where you can get Brian’s book, Approachable Open Source. Digital copies are available worldwide, and physical copies shipping to the U.S. and Canada.

Quotes

[00:05:29] “There isn’t a dichotomy between consumption and contribution.”

[00:13:48] “The work that we’re doing isn’t really for us. If you’re making open source, it’s not really for you, you’re sharing it with the world.”

[00:20:28] “If you look at a mature open source project and try to emulate it at the outset, you’re going to be disappointed and you’re going to feel like you’re always behind.”

[00:23:09] “You don’t need permission to do your job.”

[00:23:41] “You’re already empowered to fix things that you see are broken.”

[00:23:57] “Instead of buying a maintainer a coffee, spend a coffee cup’s amount of time looking at their issue log.”

Spotlight

• [00:30:05] Richard’s spotlight is Stephen Colbert.
• [00:30:38] Abby’s spotlight is Calibre.
• [00:30:54] Brian’s spotlight is his good friend, Geoff Pursell.

Links

• SustainOSS
• podcast@sustainoss.org
• richard@sustainoss.org
• SustainOSS Discourse
• SustainOSS Mastodon
• Open Collective-SustainOSS (Contribute)
• Richard Littauer Socials
• Abby Cabunoc Mayes X
• Brian Muenzenmeyer Website
• Brian Muenzenmeyer's Bluesky
• Brian Muenzenmeyer LinkedIn
• Approachable Open Source By Brian Muenzenmeyer
• Colin Dean-GitHub
• Pace Layers Thinking: Paul Saffo and Stewart Brand @ The Interval
• Ship Faster By Building Design Systems Slower By Josh Clark
• Ecosyste.ms
• Ecosystem Funds: Curated Support For Your Critical Software Dependencies By Ben Nickolls
• John Oliver (Not Stephen Colbert)!
• Calibre

Credits

• Produced by Richard Littauer

• Edited by Paul M. Bahr at Peachtree Sound

• Show notes by DeAnn Bahr Peachtree Sound

Special Guest: Brian Muenzenmeyer.

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