Can non-programmers suggest open source apps?

May 30, 2008 3:44 PM

I have an idea for a cool (though not very utilitarian) open source app, but I have zero programming experience beyond some very elementary applescript. Can I still suggest the program on a site like sourceforge.net and still have "ownership" of the project? Not for profit, but just to guide its development.
posted by tamagosan to computers & internet (9 comments total)

Sure. What you need to do is recruit a handful of minions. One or two should be sufficient provided they can code. Create your account / project on sourceforge, give them access and then command thy minions to code forth (or java / perl / c / etc). In no time you'll have your app.
posted by roue at 4:33 PM on May 30, 2008 [1 favorite]

Will you be providing actual design guidelines, documents, screen mockups, workflow, processing instructions?

Ultimately - open source programmers like to "scratch a particular" itch - if they see a need for your idea, they will join - but from what I have seen over 10 years of monitoring SourceForge, it's extremely rare that they will sign on to make your great vision a reality if you do not actually contribute anything other than the initial idea.

I'm not "dissin'" your idea, but idea's are a dime a dozen. There are thousands of "shell/placeholder" projects on SourceForge, CodePlex, etc... People who had an idea, but didn't actually do anything.

Personally, I think it's better simply to post your idea(s) to a blog or somewhere else, and then if people coalesce - join the project.

If you want a programmer/architect opinion, feel free to MeFiMail me privately - I promise - I am soooo swamped I won't disclose it to anyone or act on it myself, just give you feedback.
posted by jkaczor at 4:58 PM on May 30, 2008

What jkaczor says. If you want to pitch the idea to me, my blog and email are in my profile. However, keep in mind that people who know how to code *well* usually do it in their off hours for money ... ... on the other hand, your app idea might scratch an itch I have which would make me more than excited about having someone to do the stuff I hate ... which is namely doing the documentation and feature design that open-source projects that are any good have.
posted by SpecialK at 5:05 PM on May 30, 2008

Ideas are like kittens, they can impossible to even give away sometimes.

I'd recommend using it as a reason to learn a programming language (There is usually no other better way to learn a language than to actually write something you want.)

Don't expect any help, I think most open source projects are written by a core person or team.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 5:29 PM on May 30, 2008

You can pitch the idea to me, too. If I'm into it, I'd be happy to work on it (once my exams are finished).
posted by giggleknickers at 6:11 PM on May 30, 2008

And while i am a noob to programming, I am learning and i wouldnt mind helping out on the project as i just need experience. I wouldnt mind doing something many others wouldnt want to do such as testing (which is still very important). MeFi mail me if it ever gets the ground and ill be glad to help in any way.
posted by Javed_Ahamed at 10:34 PM on May 30, 2008

So, there's been a few people who have offered to help here. Maybe you could even post your idea to projects (and post the link in this thread) for some other people to check out.
posted by philomathoholic at 11:54 PM on May 30, 2008

If you set it up as a project under one of the conventional open source licenses, which generally permit "share alike" use of the code and other aspects of the software product, there is no way you would be able to retain "ownership" of the project in terms of rights to determine what is done with your idea. For all practical purposes anyone could take your idea and run with it in their own version of the software (which under many licenses could even be a commercial enterprise) which might end up being better or more successful and popular than your version.

If you try to get a project going but what you desire is to retain some right to control how your idea is used, make very certain that any programmers who help you understand that's your goal (since otherwise they'll probably think you're pursuing the more conventional "free software" kind of project.)
posted by XMLicious at 5:46 AM on May 31, 2008

Thanks to everyone who responded. There's a page set up at here at SourceForge.
posted by tamagosan at 7:15 PM on June 2, 2008