As software is dominating our modern society in all regards, there are various practices, methodologies and business models surrounding its evolution; although the holy grail of software development could be open source. The community, the personal success stories, the historical paradigm shifts that have changed the world many times are all very compelling for young and ambitious developers alike. Open source may seem as alluring to some as it is unobtainable to others...
Before releasing anything as open source, before even writing the first line of code, there are questions haunting any developer's subconscious; even external factors from third-parties and their reactions that can pressure or worse deter anyone from contributing any open source.
This is an obvious first. Doubt. Everyone measures reality based on themselves and if someone thinks they can't do something it's comforting to assume that no one else can either. Our society, our bureaucracy even our education system is based on this false assumption of "equality". Many stop themselves from contributing to open source because they have convinced themselves that they can't contribute.
This defeatist mentality can be overthrown with some good'ol ambition. The potential of matching others success is enough reason for some to participate in the open source scene. Even if vanity plays a big role for a good share of developers, it's hardly the best driving force. That's because the creation will always be tempered by the alterior motive of personal gain. The software will never be unlimited, untethered from personal goals and completely unrestricted. Aiming for a drive that's more altruistic has been proven to produce better results.
At first glance it seems obvious. Once an idea is out there anyone can copy it. The reality is that no one cares about ideas because there's no way of evaluating their success. People unanimously are interested in proven solutions.
Even law has little regard for untangible concepts. You can only pattent an application of an idea, not the idea itself. We live in a world of "doing" because that is fundamentally what affects our surroundings.
Ideas can be strong and if you are right you may be successful, but without an application any idea will amount to nothing. On the same vibe, never care for what others know or what mind games they play. When getting into this field, affecting people is our primary goal.
Folowing the previous mindset, it's anyones best guess how valuable some open source software is when there is no frame of reference and so corporation-backed open source is often believed to be better supported and with better chances of producing quality solutions. This power in numbers mentality is as juvenile as it is shortsighted. In the short history of computer software it's been proven numerous times that individuals with a vision are the major catalysts of change, not corporations with millions in the bank.
Like any enterprise though, creating open source can be serious business. Another popular opinion says that once successful you should expect the competition to be after you, and those with the deepest pockets will have the greatest means to become obstacles in your way. There's no better advice than to simply seek trust within you. Every day there's going to be something new: some new challenge, some new evolution that changes the game for everyone. Open your mind to retain a unique, different view that will help you always be one step ahead.
Once confronted with the fact that there are no new battles, that there have already been generations of developers that have fought and retired, the immediate thought is to wonder what's the point of doing anything, especially repeating something that's been done before.
The answer is simple. Even if software is abundant, the connection you have with your code is unique. Some devs are so close to their code, they can't be disconnected from it no matter how long they are apart. All that matters is that connection to a creation.
If you're creating open source to compete with other developers, for the glory or for the reward you will most likely end up bitter and betrayed. Creating open source is not and should not be a popularity contest. It's a lifestyle choice and a creation marathon. Those who endure, those who persist are the ones left on top. This requires a selfless devotion like a parent to their children or a monk to their faith.
Fast-forward to the end and we all know about the many success stories, the "silent" moderate stories and the few sad stories surrounding open source. As a newcomer in this field you have two options. You go under the wing of someone established, a mentor or corporation and feed from their worth. As this may not be an option for the majority, you are either left with an early defeat or a challenge to "prove" yourself. So, "prove" yourself. For you, not the reward.