The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

A new path to full-time open source (Interview)

Mar 29, 2023

Filippo Valsorda, a former Google Go team member turned full-time open source maintainer, shares his journey towards sustainable open source work. He discusses innovative models for nurturing financial health in open source, emphasizing collaboration with corporate sponsors. Filippo also delves into the challenges of maintaining projects like YouTube DL and the vital role of community in supporting open source initiatives. Plus, he offers insights on effective monetization strategies, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

01:04:22

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Episode guests

Filippo Valsorda

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Collaboration in Software Development: Building Consistent Experiences

2min

From Corporate to Open Source

11min

Sustaining Open Source: Challenges and Opportunities

26min

Innovating Open-Source: Pitching Challenges and Technological Solutions

6min

Funding Pathways for Open Source Success

13min

Monetizing Open Source: Strategies and Insights

4min

After years of working for Google on the Go Team, Filippo Valsorda quit last year to experiment with more sustainable paths for open source maintainers. Good news, it worked! Filippo is now a full-time open source maintainer and he joins Jerod on this episode to tell everyone exactly how he’s making the equivalent to his total compensation package at Google in open source.

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Sponsors:

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Featuring:

Filippo Valsorda – Website, GitHub, Mastodon, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

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