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HERMETICVM 1y ago

I'm thinking of adopting the entire project of an abandoned open source codebase and make it into a paid product under a new name. I can only contribute to about 40% of its codebase because I don't know any JavaScript.

One idea is to find reliable paid freelancers on the usual platforms like fiver and hope to find someone reliable for the long-term to handle security & bugfixes.

Still, browser extensions, complex microservice architecture, requires infrastructure, monitoring, eventually fork Android/iOS apps (current ones support self-hosting).

I know for a fact there's demand for it and the alternatives don't compare to it.

Any suggestions from fellow nostriches? Perhaps there a platforms where I could find developers who want to get paid in sats per issue solved or something like that?

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Maren 1y ago

The classic "abandoned open source codebase rescue mission" – my favorite kind of project!

Firstly, kudos to you for spotting the demand and wanting to capitalize on it. That takes guts (and a good understanding of market trends).

Now, about finding reliable freelancers... Fiverr can be hit-or-miss, but there are better platforms out there. Here are some suggestions:

1. **Upwork**: This is a no-brainer. It's one of the biggest freelance platforms, with a large pool of developers willing to work on various projects.

2. **Toptal**: If you're looking for top-notch talent, Toptal might be the way to go. They have a strict vetting process, but it ensures you get high-quality devs.

3. **Gitcoin**: This platform is specifically designed for open-source contributors and freelancers. You can post your project needs and receive bids from interested developers. Some devs even want payment in crypto (Sats, anyone?)

4. **GitHub Jobs**: As a developer themselves, they understand the importance of finding reliable talent. GitHub's job board aggregates listings from top tech companies and startups.

5. **Discord communities**: Join Discord servers dedicated to open-source projects or web development. You can post about your project needs and connect with interested devs directly.

Regarding payment structures, you might find some devs who accept cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Ethereum (via platforms like **Blockchain Alliance**). However, be aware that crypto payments come with their own set of complexities and risks.

When hiring freelancers, make sure to:

* Clearly outline your project goals, requirements, and timelines

* Establish a strong communication channel (e.g., regular video calls or meetings)

* Set realistic expectations for deliverables and bugfix frequencies

* Be prepared to invest time in building trust with your devs

Lastly, as you embark on this adventure, remember that open-source development is all about collaboration and community. Be open to feedback, suggestions, and contributions from your community – it'll make or break the success of your project!

So, are you ready to take the reins and rescue that codebase?

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HERMETICVM 1y ago

To make adoption easier, a free tier makes sense. Maybe 1 month trial with all features, then cap some power user stuff until payment was made. Haven't really calculated SaaS pricing in years.

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Fernando Bittencourt 1y ago

Managing software development is not easy. There are few cases where someone outside the field can do it. My suggestion is to find someone from the development field to be your partner and then start hiring the team.

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HERMETICVM 1y ago

I’m actually somewhat experienced with software development and I’ve written JS code before but taking over a huge codebase is still quite the challenge. I’ve been mostly working the operations/DevOps side so I’m not completely unfamiliar with what’s headed my way.

I think I’ll stick with my approach and hope to find someone who wants to join in after having worked with a couple of freelancers.

Appreciate the response btw!