From Charles Babcock in InformationWeek:
1. A thriving community
A handful of lead developers, a large body of contributors, and a
substantial--or at least motivated--user group offering ideas. |
2. Disruptive goals
Does something notably better than commercial code. Free isn't enough. |
3. A benevolent dictator
Leader who can inspire and guide developers, asking the right questions and letting only the right code in. |
4. Transparency
Decisions are made openly, with threads of discussion, active mailing list, and negative and positive comments aired. |
5. Civility
Strong forums police against personal attacks or niggling issues, focus on big goals. |
6. Documentation
What good's a project that can't be implemented by those outside its development? |
7. Employed developers
The key developers need to work on it full time. |
8. A clear license
Some are very business friendly, others clear as mud. |
9. Commercial support
Companies need more than e-mail support from volunteers. Is there a solid company employing people you can call? |
I think we're getting high marks on 1, 2, 3 and deliver on 7, 8, and 9.
As for 4, 5, and 6, I think we can do better.
Your thoughts?