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In the dynamic realm of community management, marketing, and developer relations, success depends upon more than just attracting attention. It's about fostering meaningful relationships, nurturing engagement, and amplifying your community's impact.
Highlighting the Different Parts of an Open Source Community
An open source community is composed of users and contributors, each with their own roles and motivations. Users are the ones who use your software or project for their own purposes, while contributors are the ones who help improve it by submitting code, documentation, feedback, or other resources. Within these groups, there are different levels of engagement and participation.
Some users are vocal and active, sharing their opinions and experiences online, participating in forums, events, or surveys, and providing valuable insights for your community.
Some users are silent and passive, using your software or project quietly and privately, but still loving it and advocating for it in person. They may not show up in your communication channels, but they are still part of your community and deserve recognition and appreciation.
Similarly, some contributors are visible and outgoing, pushing code regularly, engaging in discussions, collaborating with others, and attending conferences or meetups.
Some contributors are invisible and introverted, working on their own, preferring to communicate through code, avoiding social interactions, but still making significant contributions to your software or project.
All these types of users and contributors are essential for the success and sustainability of your open source community, and you should strive to understand them better, cater to their needs, and celebrate their achievements.
Understanding the Silent Supporters
Before you can effectively engage with the quiet members of your open source community, it's essential to understand their motivations and barriers. As Scott Hanselman eloquently put it back in 2012, who coined the term "dark matter developers": "You can't see dark matter, but we're pretty sure it's there. Not only is it there, but it's MOST of what's there. We know it and we can't see it. It never shows up." This term applies to developers, but we can also extend it to open source users who are equally hidden but prevalent, the “dark matter users”. This sentiment resonates with many open source projects where there exists a multitude of users and contributors who may not be in the spotlight, but their impact is undeniable.
These “dark matter developers/users” don't frequently read blogs, write blogs, attend user groups, or engage actively on social media platforms. They might not be visible at large conferences. Yet, their influence and involvement are vital. This echoes the idea that silent supporters are an essential part of the open source community. They contribute in ways that might not be immediately apparent, such as using the software, providing feedback, or even quietly advocating for the project among their peers.
The Quest for Engagement
Picture this: you're in charge of nurturing an ever-expanding community, fueled by users and contributors passionate about your software or project. Your ultimate goal? To cultivate higher engagement and participation. But this is when the challenge comes into play – your community isn't just the vocal few who are quick to share their thoughts. It's vast and diverse, with many members operating in the shadows.
Peeling Back the Veil of Anonymity
The problem is simple yet profound. Often, we make assumptions about our community based on the vocal minority. These assumptions can lead to skewed decisions, overlooking the silent majority who hold equally valuable perspectives. A significant portion of your community chooses to remain anonymous, and without bridging this gap, your understanding of the community will remain incomplete.
Why You Should Care
Imagine the potential that lies undiscovered within those anonymous members. By uncovering their thoughts, needs, and aspirations, you can unlock an abundance of growth opportunities. This isn't just about sheer numbers; it's about cultivating a community that thrives on diversity, inclusive communication, and collaborative innovation.
What You Can Do:
Here's where the magic happens: implementing strategies that reach beyond the vocal few and resonate with the entirety of your community.
Creating Inclusive Communication Channels
Creating an inclusive atmosphere in conferences and events within your open source community is pivotal for ensuring that all members feel represented and welcome. This is especially crucial for quiet developers, who may have valid reasons for not contributing openly, attending meet-ups, or being active online. Their work is less public, and are largely uninterested in communicating their work.
To bridge the gap between active contributors and silent supporters, establish inclusive communication channels. Regular newsletters, blog posts, and community updates can provide insights into the project's progress and milestones, making everyone feel connected and informed. Additionally, consider using multiple platforms, such as forums, mailing lists, and social media, to cater to different audiences.
Welcoming and Approachable Environment
Encouraging conferences to host events specifically tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups, such as women and transgender developers, can further amplify inclusivity. These spaces provide opportunities for quiet parts of the community to engage in ways that align with their comfort zones and experiences. Such events create an environment where attendees can share their stories, collaborate, and learn from one another without feeling overshadowed.
By advocating for conferences and events to be inclusive and to cater to a diverse array of experiences, your open source community paves the way for quiet developers to participate authentically and meaningfully. This approach aligns with the core principles of open source collaboration by acknowledging that contribution comes in various forms and from individuals of all backgrounds.
Create an environment that encourages open dialogue and makes quiet members feel welcome to voice their thoughts. Ensure that the code of conduct emphasizes respect and inclusivity. Hosting virtual meetups, webinars, or AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions where all questions are valid can help foster a sense of belonging and remove some of the barriers to participation.
Tailored Onboarding and Contribution Guides
Provide clear and concise onboarding guides that cater to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. Outline different ways to contribute, including non-technical ones like documentation, user support, or design. By offering step-by-step instructions, you make it easier for silent supporters to transition from being spectators to active participants.
Mentorship and Support
Establish mentorship programs where experienced contributors guide newcomers through their first contributions. Mentors can help quiet members build confidence, navigate the contribution process, and clarify any doubts they might have. This one-on-one guidance can make a significant difference in their willingness to engage.
Recognition and Rewards
Recognize and appreciate all forms of contribution, whether large or small. This can include badges, certificates, or even a dedicated section on your project's website for acknowledging silent supporters. Publicly acknowledging their efforts can motivate them to continue engaging and potentially increase their level of involvement over time.
Feedback and Listening
Create avenues for quiet members to provide feedback on the project's direction, features, and usability. By actively seeking their input, you show that their opinions matter and that you're open to incorporating their insights into the project's development.
Acknowledging the contributions of silent participants of your open source community
Open source communities are diverse ecosystems where participation takes on many forms. Engaging with the quiet parts of your community is a vital step toward building a more inclusive and supportive environment. By understanding their motivations, providing accessible pathways to contribution, and recognizing their efforts, you can tap into the immense potential that these silent supporters bring to your project's growth. Nurturing a healthy community involves embracing every member, whether they're actively contributing code or silently cheering from the sidelines.
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In the dynamic realm of community management, marketing, and developer relations, success depends upon more than just attracting attention. It's about fostering meaningful relationships, nurturing engagement, and amplifying your community's impact.
Highlighting the Different Parts of an Open Source Community
An open source community is composed of users and contributors, each with their own roles and motivations. Users are the ones who use your software or project for their own purposes, while contributors are the ones who help improve it by submitting code, documentation, feedback, or other resources. Within these groups, there are different levels of engagement and participation.
Some users are vocal and active, sharing their opinions and experiences online, participating in forums, events, or surveys, and providing valuable insights for your community.
Some users are silent and passive, using your software or project quietly and privately, but still loving it and advocating for it in person. They may not show up in your communication channels, but they are still part of your community and deserve recognition and appreciation.
Similarly, some contributors are visible and outgoing, pushing code regularly, engaging in discussions, collaborating with others, and attending conferences or meetups.
Some contributors are invisible and introverted, working on their own, preferring to communicate through code, avoiding social interactions, but still making significant contributions to your software or project.
All these types of users and contributors are essential for the success and sustainability of your open source community, and you should strive to understand them better, cater to their needs, and celebrate their achievements.
Understanding the Silent Supporters
Before you can effectively engage with the quiet members of your open source community, it's essential to understand their motivations and barriers. As Scott Hanselman eloquently put it back in 2012, who coined the term "dark matter developers": "You can't see dark matter, but we're pretty sure it's there. Not only is it there, but it's MOST of what's there. We know it and we can't see it. It never shows up." This term applies to developers, but we can also extend it to open source users who are equally hidden but prevalent, the “dark matter users”. This sentiment resonates with many open source projects where there exists a multitude of users and contributors who may not be in the spotlight, but their impact is undeniable.
These “dark matter developers/users” don't frequently read blogs, write blogs, attend user groups, or engage actively on social media platforms. They might not be visible at large conferences. Yet, their influence and involvement are vital. This echoes the idea that silent supporters are an essential part of the open source community. They contribute in ways that might not be immediately apparent, such as using the software, providing feedback, or even quietly advocating for the project among their peers.
The Quest for Engagement
Picture this: you're in charge of nurturing an ever-expanding community, fueled by users and contributors passionate about your software or project. Your ultimate goal? To cultivate higher engagement and participation. But this is when the challenge comes into play – your community isn't just the vocal few who are quick to share their thoughts. It's vast and diverse, with many members operating in the shadows.
Peeling Back the Veil of Anonymity
The problem is simple yet profound. Often, we make assumptions about our community based on the vocal minority. These assumptions can lead to skewed decisions, overlooking the silent majority who hold equally valuable perspectives. A significant portion of your community chooses to remain anonymous, and without bridging this gap, your understanding of the community will remain incomplete.
Why You Should Care
Imagine the potential that lies undiscovered within those anonymous members. By uncovering their thoughts, needs, and aspirations, you can unlock an abundance of growth opportunities. This isn't just about sheer numbers; it's about cultivating a community that thrives on diversity, inclusive communication, and collaborative innovation.
What You Can Do:
Here's where the magic happens: implementing strategies that reach beyond the vocal few and resonate with the entirety of your community.
Creating Inclusive Communication Channels
Creating an inclusive atmosphere in conferences and events within your open source community is pivotal for ensuring that all members feel represented and welcome. This is especially crucial for quiet developers, who may have valid reasons for not contributing openly, attending meet-ups, or being active online. Their work is less public, and are largely uninterested in communicating their work.
To bridge the gap between active contributors and silent supporters, establish inclusive communication channels. Regular newsletters, blog posts, and community updates can provide insights into the project's progress and milestones, making everyone feel connected and informed. Additionally, consider using multiple platforms, such as forums, mailing lists, and social media, to cater to different audiences.
Welcoming and Approachable Environment
Encouraging conferences to host events specifically tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups, such as women and transgender developers, can further amplify inclusivity. These spaces provide opportunities for quiet parts of the community to engage in ways that align with their comfort zones and experiences. Such events create an environment where attendees can share their stories, collaborate, and learn from one another without feeling overshadowed.
By advocating for conferences and events to be inclusive and to cater to a diverse array of experiences, your open source community paves the way for quiet developers to participate authentically and meaningfully. This approach aligns with the core principles of open source collaboration by acknowledging that contribution comes in various forms and from individuals of all backgrounds.
Create an environment that encourages open dialogue and makes quiet members feel welcome to voice their thoughts. Ensure that the code of conduct emphasizes respect and inclusivity. Hosting virtual meetups, webinars, or AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions where all questions are valid can help foster a sense of belonging and remove some of the barriers to participation.
Tailored Onboarding and Contribution Guides
Provide clear and concise onboarding guides that cater to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. Outline different ways to contribute, including non-technical ones like documentation, user support, or design. By offering step-by-step instructions, you make it easier for silent supporters to transition from being spectators to active participants.
Mentorship and Support
Establish mentorship programs where experienced contributors guide newcomers through their first contributions. Mentors can help quiet members build confidence, navigate the contribution process, and clarify any doubts they might have. This one-on-one guidance can make a significant difference in their willingness to engage.
Recognition and Rewards
Recognize and appreciate all forms of contribution, whether large or small. This can include badges, certificates, or even a dedicated section on your project's website for acknowledging silent supporters. Publicly acknowledging their efforts can motivate them to continue engaging and potentially increase their level of involvement over time.
Feedback and Listening
Create avenues for quiet members to provide feedback on the project's direction, features, and usability. By actively seeking their input, you show that their opinions matter and that you're open to incorporating their insights into the project's development.
Acknowledging the contributions of silent participants of your open source community
Open source communities are diverse ecosystems where participation takes on many forms. Engaging with the quiet parts of your community is a vital step toward building a more inclusive and supportive environment. By understanding their motivations, providing accessible pathways to contribution, and recognizing their efforts, you can tap into the immense potential that these silent supporters bring to your project's growth. Nurturing a healthy community involves embracing every member, whether they're actively contributing code or silently cheering from the sidelines.
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Exporting data tracked by Scarf is essential for analytics, reporting, and integration with other tools. Scarf adds open-source usage metrics to the data you already collect, giving you a fuller picture of how your project is used. This helps you monitor trends, measure impact, and make better data-driven decisions.
Scarf helps you unlock the full potential of your open source project by collecting valuable usage data in three key ways: Scarf Packages, in-app telemetry, and tracking pixels. In this post, we’ll break down each of these powerful tools and show you how to use them to optimize your open source strategy.
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Prisma turned to Scarf for a monthly Strategic Insights Report. By integrating Scarf into various parts of their web and software delivery infrastructure, Prisma now knows relevant details about their users in terms of company size, industry, location and much more.
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CopilotKit implemented Scarf to gain visibility into their open-source community. By adding Scarf to their documentation, they could see which companies were actively engaging with their resources, providing valuable insights into potential leads and customer segments.
Tracking downloads of your open-source projects is key to understanding user engagement. With Scarf, you can see which businesses are using your project, which versions are popular, which platforms are being targeted, and more. This playbook will show you how to set up Scarf to monitor your project’s downloads.
On July 16th, we hosted our first-ever Scarf Summit, celebrating analytics for open source and the significant improvements we’ve made to the Scarf platform. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of all the key updates shared by our Engineering Leader, Aaron Porter.
In this episode of the Haskell Interlude Podcast, Joachim Breitner and Andreas Löh sit down with Avi Press, the founder of Scarf, to discuss his journey with Haskell, the telemetry landscape in open source software, and the technical as well as operational challenges of building a startup with Haskell at its core.
Scarf Basic and Premium tiers have long had the ability to sort their open source usage data by company, domain, events, last seen, and funnel stage. But our customers have been wanting more. Now you can hyper target by combining region, tech stack, and funnel stage, making outreach as refined and low friction as possible.
Understanding open source user engagements and usage is obscured by a lack of actionable data, a result of its inherent openness and anonymity. Embracing a data-driven approach to open source projects helps them not only grow, but also understand the keys to their success, benefiting everyone involved.
As an open source company, Garden knew how hard it was going to be to get usage data. Adding Scarf for analytics on open source downloads turned anonymous numbers into company names. Using Scarf’s privacy-first analytics also helped Garden to know what kind of companies were using their OSS and where they were located.
Once Heroic started using Scarf, they learned that they were even more popular than they thought they were. Using Scarf, they were able to determine where, by country, their users were downloading from, and how many per day.
Any LF project maintainer can use Scarf without needing any further approval from the foundation. Scarf is offering all LF projects free accounts with a few additional features over our base free version. LF projects will get usage data like docs, downloads, and page views with unlimited free seat licenses and data retention.
Union is an open source first company. It uses Scarf to drive their DevRel strategy and improve their open source project. It also uses Scarf to power its consultative sales approach to help customers where it makes sense. Union has been successfully leveraging Scarf funnel analysis to shape the product to better fit the market so that they can focus on ensuring that companies can get value from Flyte sooner.
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Smallstep wanted to understand the impact of their open-source project on enterprise adoption of their commercial security solutions. Smallstep uses Scarf to better understand user interactions and software usage, providing insights into its user base and potential customer segments as an important signal for commercial use.
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When we approached the project of building Scarf, we turned to our favorite language: Haskell. Little did we know, this decision would shape our story in more ways than one.
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It’s happening! Scarf is part of the Common Room Signal Partners program. Soon, you will be able to integrate your Scarf data into your Common Room platform for a more complete view of all of your user signals.
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In today's fast-paced tech world, the Developer Relations (DevRel) role has moved from the periphery to the center stage. Companies, irrespective of their size, are now seriously considering the worth of having a dedicated DevRel team. But, how do you quantify the success or failure of such an effort? What metrics should companies use? This post dives deep into understanding the commercial Return on Investment (ROI) of DevRel.
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In the dynamic realm of community management, marketing, and developer relations, success depends upon more than just attracting attention. It's about fostering meaningful relationships, nurturing engagement, and amplifying your community's impact.
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Exporting data tracked by Scarf is essential for analytics, reporting, and integration with other tools. Scarf adds open-source usage metrics to the data you already collect, giving you a fuller picture of how your project is used. This helps you monitor trends, measure impact, and make better data-driven decisions.
Scarf helps you unlock the full potential of your open source project by collecting valuable usage data in three key ways: Scarf Packages, in-app telemetry, and tracking pixels. In this post, we’ll break down each of these powerful tools and show you how to use them to optimize your open source strategy.
Beyond the Surface: How to Engage with the Quiet Members of your Open Source Community
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In the dynamic realm of community management, marketing, and developer relations, success depends upon more than just attracting attention. It's about fostering meaningful relationships, nurturing engagement, and amplifying your community's impact.
Highlighting the Different Parts of an Open Source Community
An open source community is composed of users and contributors, each with their own roles and motivations. Users are the ones who use your software or project for their own purposes, while contributors are the ones who help improve it by submitting code, documentation, feedback, or other resources. Within these groups, there are different levels of engagement and participation.
Some users are vocal and active, sharing their opinions and experiences online, participating in forums, events, or surveys, and providing valuable insights for your community.
Some users are silent and passive, using your software or project quietly and privately, but still loving it and advocating for it in person. They may not show up in your communication channels, but they are still part of your community and deserve recognition and appreciation.
Similarly, some contributors are visible and outgoing, pushing code regularly, engaging in discussions, collaborating with others, and attending conferences or meetups.
Some contributors are invisible and introverted, working on their own, preferring to communicate through code, avoiding social interactions, but still making significant contributions to your software or project.
All these types of users and contributors are essential for the success and sustainability of your open source community, and you should strive to understand them better, cater to their needs, and celebrate their achievements.
Understanding the Silent Supporters
Before you can effectively engage with the quiet members of your open source community, it's essential to understand their motivations and barriers. As Scott Hanselman eloquently put it back in 2012, who coined the term "dark matter developers": "You can't see dark matter, but we're pretty sure it's there. Not only is it there, but it's MOST of what's there. We know it and we can't see it. It never shows up." This term applies to developers, but we can also extend it to open source users who are equally hidden but prevalent, the “dark matter users”. This sentiment resonates with many open source projects where there exists a multitude of users and contributors who may not be in the spotlight, but their impact is undeniable.
These “dark matter developers/users” don't frequently read blogs, write blogs, attend user groups, or engage actively on social media platforms. They might not be visible at large conferences. Yet, their influence and involvement are vital. This echoes the idea that silent supporters are an essential part of the open source community. They contribute in ways that might not be immediately apparent, such as using the software, providing feedback, or even quietly advocating for the project among their peers.
The Quest for Engagement
Picture this: you're in charge of nurturing an ever-expanding community, fueled by users and contributors passionate about your software or project. Your ultimate goal? To cultivate higher engagement and participation. But this is when the challenge comes into play – your community isn't just the vocal few who are quick to share their thoughts. It's vast and diverse, with many members operating in the shadows.
Peeling Back the Veil of Anonymity
The problem is simple yet profound. Often, we make assumptions about our community based on the vocal minority. These assumptions can lead to skewed decisions, overlooking the silent majority who hold equally valuable perspectives. A significant portion of your community chooses to remain anonymous, and without bridging this gap, your understanding of the community will remain incomplete.
Why You Should Care
Imagine the potential that lies undiscovered within those anonymous members. By uncovering their thoughts, needs, and aspirations, you can unlock an abundance of growth opportunities. This isn't just about sheer numbers; it's about cultivating a community that thrives on diversity, inclusive communication, and collaborative innovation.
What You Can Do:
Here's where the magic happens: implementing strategies that reach beyond the vocal few and resonate with the entirety of your community.
Creating Inclusive Communication Channels
Creating an inclusive atmosphere in conferences and events within your open source community is pivotal for ensuring that all members feel represented and welcome. This is especially crucial for quiet developers, who may have valid reasons for not contributing openly, attending meet-ups, or being active online. Their work is less public, and are largely uninterested in communicating their work.
To bridge the gap between active contributors and silent supporters, establish inclusive communication channels. Regular newsletters, blog posts, and community updates can provide insights into the project's progress and milestones, making everyone feel connected and informed. Additionally, consider using multiple platforms, such as forums, mailing lists, and social media, to cater to different audiences.
Welcoming and Approachable Environment
Encouraging conferences to host events specifically tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups, such as women and transgender developers, can further amplify inclusivity. These spaces provide opportunities for quiet parts of the community to engage in ways that align with their comfort zones and experiences. Such events create an environment where attendees can share their stories, collaborate, and learn from one another without feeling overshadowed.
By advocating for conferences and events to be inclusive and to cater to a diverse array of experiences, your open source community paves the way for quiet developers to participate authentically and meaningfully. This approach aligns with the core principles of open source collaboration by acknowledging that contribution comes in various forms and from individuals of all backgrounds.
Create an environment that encourages open dialogue and makes quiet members feel welcome to voice their thoughts. Ensure that the code of conduct emphasizes respect and inclusivity. Hosting virtual meetups, webinars, or AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions where all questions are valid can help foster a sense of belonging and remove some of the barriers to participation.
Tailored Onboarding and Contribution Guides
Provide clear and concise onboarding guides that cater to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. Outline different ways to contribute, including non-technical ones like documentation, user support, or design. By offering step-by-step instructions, you make it easier for silent supporters to transition from being spectators to active participants.
Mentorship and Support
Establish mentorship programs where experienced contributors guide newcomers through their first contributions. Mentors can help quiet members build confidence, navigate the contribution process, and clarify any doubts they might have. This one-on-one guidance can make a significant difference in their willingness to engage.
Recognition and Rewards
Recognize and appreciate all forms of contribution, whether large or small. This can include badges, certificates, or even a dedicated section on your project's website for acknowledging silent supporters. Publicly acknowledging their efforts can motivate them to continue engaging and potentially increase their level of involvement over time.
Feedback and Listening
Create avenues for quiet members to provide feedback on the project's direction, features, and usability. By actively seeking their input, you show that their opinions matter and that you're open to incorporating their insights into the project's development.
Acknowledging the contributions of silent participants of your open source community
Open source communities are diverse ecosystems where participation takes on many forms. Engaging with the quiet parts of your community is a vital step toward building a more inclusive and supportive environment. By understanding their motivations, providing accessible pathways to contribution, and recognizing their efforts, you can tap into the immense potential that these silent supporters bring to your project's growth. Nurturing a healthy community involves embracing every member, whether they're actively contributing code or silently cheering from the sidelines.
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