With all due respect, the idea that open source projects are always the result of free, volunteer work is a bit of a sheltered and idealistic view.
Open source projects with the most tractions are either sponsored, or someone is writing open source code as part of a job they're paid for. (a few examples: Rails, node.js, Linux, Vagrant ....)
For projects where that's not an option, crowdfunding is a good alternative.
Most "involved" in open source are consumers. Crowdfunding allows for involvement and support at a different level, and is totally consistent with the open source ethos. Open source is about freedom, not money.
Comments
With all due respect, the idea that open source projects are always the result of free, volunteer work is a bit of a sheltered and idealistic view.
Open source projects with the most tractions are either sponsored, or someone is writing open source code as part of a job they're paid for. (a few examples: Rails, node.js, Linux, Vagrant ....)
For projects where that's not an option, crowdfunding is a good alternative.
Most "involved" in open source are consumers. Crowdfunding allows for involvement and support at a different level, and is totally consistent with the open source ethos. Open source is about freedom, not money.