If anyone is curious to explore the topic of "reputation over compensation", take a look at Advancing Bitcoin talk I gave back in March this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUgQPR6ecuo
I have a lot of thoughts on the subject, considering my own developer journey over the last 20+ years in various settings around the world.
Ultimately, Damus is set up in such a way that it's all about what nostr:npub1xtscya34g58tk0z605fvr788k263gsu6cy9x0mhnm87echrgufzsevkk5s wants to do. I greatly admire what he has done, and I've told Will numerous times that I'm always there if he wants to talk and share experiences.
Regarding what I would say publicly, the most important point is: when you are contributing to FOSS, you're building a reputation, not compensation. You won't make nearly as much as you would if you chose traditional routes (fiat job, startup, VCs, etc.).
A critical side effect of this is that you need to take care of the reputation, self-actualization, and motivation of everyone involved. Managing a FOSS project is a heavy burden. Money is a very powerful tool, and the fact that every civilization that has scaled invented it is no coincidence. It allows you to remove a lot of variables. Beyond a certain point, you can only scale with money to maintain structure.
So, if I were in Damus, I'd prioritize the happiness and reputation of contributors over impact. The track record clearly shows that something great is being done, so I wouldn't worry too much about making it "greater." Instead, as long as the work continues to be meaningful for Will and others participating, that's all that matters.
Discussion
Reputation is everything. This is how you can be successful in FOSS. It's a lot of work and it will not work for everyone or every project though. You need to find the right people and you need to be of the right mindset.
Well said, Rockstar. You are, in fact, a Rockstar 🫂
My notes:
Be a cockroach, not a unicorn.
Back your supporters.
Delight your donors.
Focus on your reputation, not compensation; doors will eventually open.
Prepare for the bear (market); treasury management is critical.
FOSS is a pillar of freedom tech.
FOSS is the way.
Your talk was very real. Thank you
I just want to say thanks for your commitment to wearing a mask all these years. You've saved lives!
My own first 🙏
Your Wisdom shines Brightly once again. Thank you Uncle for everything you do; guiding us all along the right path
Uncle Rocktard i mean Rockhard says smart big brain things worth listening to. I meant Rockstar.
Yep, fantastic. Thought so. Listened on 2x speed because I’ve gotta catch some zzz’s. Thank you for being you!
🤘🫥🤘