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Working in Public
256 pages, 2020
In Working in Public, Nadia Eghbal examines the challenges faced by online creators. She argues that modern open-source software development offers a model through which we can understand how online platforms enable and constrain this work. To develop her argument, she interviews hundreds of developers while working to improve their experience on GitHub, an online platform for hosting and development.
The book examines this platform's architecture and design; its social structure; the roles, incentives, and relationships involved in collaborative projects; the often-overlooked maintenance required of its creators; and the costs of production that endure through an application's lifetime.
Eghbal also scrutinizes other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram—which reduce infrastructure and distribution costs for creators but massively increase the scope of interactions with their audience—to show how they affect creativity on the internet today.
In 'Working in Public', Nadia Eghbal explores the evolution of open source software. She highlights how it has moved from a niche, community-driven activity to a mainstream, corporate-backed endeavor. This shift has brought about new challenges and opportunities for those involved in the open source world.
Eghbal digs into the crucial role of maintainers in open source projects. These individuals are often the unsung heroes, dedicating their time and expertise to keep projects running smoothly. However, as she points out, this role can be both rewarding and draining, leading to burnout.
The book also takes a look at the impact of digital platforms like GitHub on open source projects. Eghbal points out that while these platforms have made it easier for people to contribute to projects, they have also led to an increase in 'drive-by' contributions, which can overwhelm maintainers.
Eghbal emphasizes the importance of funding in sustaining open source projects. She explores different funding models, from corporate sponsorship to crowdfunding, and discusses their pros and cons. This is a must-read section for anyone looking to start or sustain an open source project.
In 'Working in Public', Eghbal doesn't just look at the current state of open source, she also speculates on its future. She suggests that as open source continues to grow, we may see a shift towards more centralized, professionally-managed projects. This is a thought-provoking prediction that invites readers to consider the future of open source.
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