Lego applied to Free Software contributions

Fitting it all together

• Building software in a community looks really complicated
• To understand how it all fits together, we use a hands on example
• In this example, we use Lego to represent a software project
• We will take on roles to show how each community member interacts
• Hopefully we end up with a unique Lego creation!

Using Lego to represent the community

• Like any software project, there are:
  • Developers
  • Managers
  • Product owners
• Like OpenStack, there are:
  • Foundation, technical committee, and board members
  • PTLs
  • Core team
  • Companies
  • Unaffiliated contributors (free agents)

Your mission, should you choose to accept it

Build a street out of Lego. All buildings must be connected by road and pavement. The Foundation, TC, and Board must approve the overall design of the street.

Aim to become a major contributor and demonstrate your mad skills!

Choosing roles - Upstream

• Board : 1
• Technical committee : 1
• PTL : 1
• Core : 5

Upstream is responsible for the finished product.

Choosing roles - Companies

• 3-4 different companies

Each company has:

• CEO : 1
• Team members : 3-5

Companies have to deliver value to their stakeholders.

Choosing roles - Free agent contributors

• Distracted : 1
• Controversial : 1
• Agreeable : 2-3

Each individual sets their own objective.

Timing

• Four sprints of 30 mins:
  • 5 mins planning
  • 20 mins building
  • 5 mins review

Communication

• Be polite, be helpful
• Listen when people talk
• Be true to your role
• If you feel the community needs consensus, call a midcycle!

Let’s play!