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A quick reader’s guide: Producing Open Source Software by Karl Fogel
Numerous startups depend on open source software for their success. In some cases, that can the leader of the open source project has founded a related company. In others, it can mean that a company has released some of its code under an open source license. In either scenario, a developer may find himself needing to run an open source project while his hands are full with other work. That makes Producing Open Source Software an invaluable book.
It covers just about every potential issue that could pop up during an open source project, from choosing a name for a project to choosing communication tools to how to actually manage a whole bunch of independently-minded developers. This is a book that covers the technical aspects of open source projects, but it also includes a lot of information on management and other topics that can get lost in the shuffle when you’ve started up a new, super-cool project.
I wouldn’t actually recommend downloading a copy of Fogel’s book today (unless you’re prepared to read it twice): he’s currently running a Kickstarter campaign to produce a second edition. Rather, consider backing the campaign. The second edition of Producing Open Source Software will also be available for free online, but hard copies will also be made available.
Development: Eyeball
Sitepoint has launched an experimental service to find broken CSS on websites, which may extend to HTML and JavaScript. It’s as simple as sending a tweet. You can read up on the launch on Sitepoint.
Funding: Move your startup to Austin for free at SXSW
If you’ve been considering a change of venue for your startup, Capital Factory in Austin may have an offer for you. As part of the SXSWi festivities this year, Capital Factory is holding a pitch event where the winner will receive a relocation package worth more than $50,000 (including 6 months worth of ramen noodles).There are a lot of arguments for taking a startup out of Silicon Valley and Capital Factory may be offering an easy route to do so.
Operations: Do investors care that we have other businesses?
This question was posted to Answers On Startups and has sparked an interesting discussion. Many entrepreneurs may find themselves in a similar position, where they’ve gotten projects to the point where there’s minimal work required, so they move on to the next big thing. But how public should such entrepreneurs make that information?
Marketing: The science of virality — marketing lessons from internet cats
There’s no doubt that cats rule the internet. But how have those furry felines managed to dominate it so thoroughly? This article covers Jonah Berger’s research into what makes an idea viral. He’s analyzed New York Times emailing behaviors and the results may surprise you. Your go to topics may not be as viral as you expect.
Beyond Tech: Mark Cuban’s awesome justification for endowing a chair to ‘eliminate stupid patents’
Mark Cuban has endowed a chair at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which will be known as “The Mark Cuban Chair to Eliminate Stupid Patents.” Cuban, who is known for his investments, is fed up with the the stupid patents the companies he has invested in have had to fight or pay out to patent trolls over.
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]]>The UMBC History research guide is now available! This resource can assist you with conducting research on the history of the people, departments, and traditions at UMBC.
Sections in the guide include: