[ros-kernel] $$$ Bountys on ReactOS development - 0.2 Relase

[Mike Nordell]

Steven Edwards wrote:

> I want to get everyones feedback on this before we move forward. I am
> interested in setting up a donation system on ReactOS.com and .org to
> fund bountys on parts of ReactOS that none of our developers are
> interested in developing.

I do recall AbiWord had a similar model which worked very well. I was myself
for some good code once up for some cash, without even knowing it existed
(!), but lost at the toss of a coin. :-)

I also know about another project (not free software, but open source, why I
won't mention it by name) having a foundation currently able to provide a
few people with enough money to do what they love - develop that software.

So while I don't know much about the administration, I do know the idea has
worked for others.

[snip]

> Here is how the system would work.
>
> 1. Donations on ReactOS.com of $5 or more recive a CD with "ReactOS
> Preview" Version 0.2

I'm not sure about this. What about "Download the ISO if you like - it's
free software. If you like it and want to support ReactOS, perhaps you would
consider buying a physical CD"? Calling it "donation" when it really is more
like a purchase I think dilutes the concepts at hand and might even make
some turn their back (looking at myself I'd be not to happy to see "You can
'donate' to this GPL'd software, buy buying the CD"). A way to donate money
to a foundation though, and calling CD sales for what they are, is another
matter.

> 2. Bugs are created in Bugzilla for parts of ReactOS that are nasty and
> no-one wants to work on.

Not 100% correct/complete. Some bugs are also added because there currently
isn't time to fix them, but they are serious enough to not be fogotten.
Others might be added for other reasons.

> 3. ReactOS project members vote on the bug and a bounty is issued for
> like $250 to $500 US.

As I've seen it work for AbiWord; sure, why not.


In all I think this might, implemented correctly, be a good idea - I've seen
it working.

/Mike