Open Source Project Management Guides? 6
Jeff Heinen asks: "I was wondering if there exists any documentation (books, websites, etc.) covering the practical matters of organizing and managing an open source project. I'm looking for details about things like communication, organizational structure, versioning and release management, etc. I've looked around and so far haven't found anything really useful. "
Software Release Practice HOWTO (Score:1)
Open Source Development -- only a matter of time (Score:1)
I've given it some thought at such a system would be entirely web-based for information, and some command line driven for speed of development. It would ideally tie in the user end of things -- easy ways to download the latest alphas, and the developers side -- easy ways to upload the latest alphas, comments automatically generated into HTML documentation, org charts, automated software tests.. the whole 9 yards.
project managment (Score:1)
I do hope more people post ideas, cause i'm also looking into this subject right now for my business...
If i find the time, i'll write some stuff about how it is done at themes.org, where i do community work.
General software development management (Score:2)
While the communications issue throws a few curves into the situation, open source projects really are about software development (SD). As such, there are quite a few good books out there that will help you learn to manage SD efforts. The best practical guide I've ever seen to SD project management is Steve McConnell's "Software Project Survival Guide." It doesn't claim to be the "one true way" to manage SD projects, but he relies on a lot of academic research as well as his own experience to come up with a comprehensive method that actively works to minimize risk and improve communications amongst all parties. I highly, highly recommend it.
As for managing people, while McConnell does provide quite a few good pointers, its written from the point of view of someone who already understands the technical person's mindset. If you have to work with Pointy-Haired Bosses, I'd recommend reading DeMarco & Lister's "Peopleware." It provides a lot of sound business arguments that PHBs will understand for why your project and its people need adequate resources, quiet offices, and different motivators/rewards.
Good luck!
bah. (Score:1)
Re:bah. (Score:1)