Everyone laughs at the guy sitting back in his chair and coaching the team on the television. Regardless of the sport there’s always those individuals who think they can do it better. They see a better passing opportunity, or they imagine a smarter way to score. Those around them laugh at the obvious inability of their friend to actually accomplish the great boasts he makes. And to be fair, when seriously questioned he admits he would be incapable of performing at the same level as the pro athlete on the field. But this doesn’t stop him from continuing his boasting. Interestingly I see this same characteristic found in some open source communities. There’s a temptation to sit back and critique those actually doing the work. It can sometimes be easier to simply point out the flaws and ways in which things could be done differently or better. Sadly sometimes these community members fail to see the same faults which befall the armchair quarterback. They neglect to acknowledge the truth regarding the work and the difficulty involved. I’d like to provide 4 quick and simple ways to encourage the armchair quarterback in an open source community to do more.
1. Get Active
The first way is simple. Just get active. Get off the chair, get involved in a team, find some way in which you can actively become a part of the open source community. And no, before you ask, merely discussing a topic on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media is not being active. To be active means to get your hands dirty doing the work. I recognize the importance of discussion however when talking is the only contribution it is a poor substitute for actually being involved. Talking provides a false sense of activity by allowing the talker to console themselves with the fact they are contributing an opinion and thus have done their part. I understand we all have different abilities and skills. I don’t expect everyone to be active in the same way, however, I would suggest that being active involves doing more than merely debating an opinion. Talking only helps so much without actions to back them up. If you see a need determine how you can fill it. Be active in doing.
2. Give Advice When Asked
This one is often the most easily abused. It follows a bit in line with the first point and also relates directly to the armchair quarterback. The ones doing the work may or may not have asked for your opinion. In those cases where they are busy accomplishing something your advice from the comfort of your chair can easily be misconstrued, or simply be unwelcome. It is much easier to be able to offer advice if you are busy working alongside them. The pro athlete listens to their teammate. The people in the trenches with them, not the person sitting in the stands or worse at home yelling at their television. Rather than shouting (or tweeting) your advice without provocation if you choose not to get active the second best thing is to hold your advice until there is the right opportunity. Give advice when asked or when general discussion is held. You’ll find a much better reception to your words when you offer your words of wisdom at the appropriate time and place.
3. Gather Information First
One of the worst things you can do is make assumptions without knowing all the facts. Those armchair quarterbacks believe they know the best way to do things. They see the perfect pass, the perfect score. They don’t stop to think perhaps they don’t have all the information necessary. It’s often the same in communities. Speak too quickly and without all the information and you risk looking foolish because you made wrong assumptions about the situation. Don’t guess at meanings, or assume intent. In open source communities especially I believe it is important to assume the best rather than the worst. This involves believing others are working for the good of the community. Gathering information and facts first will help you be sure you speak with knowledge.
4. Go The Extra Mile
The final way in which the armchair quarterback can become a valuable part of the community is through going the extra mile. By going the extra mile I mean getting involved, believing in the team, and looking for ways to do more. By becoming involved in a community and becoming a member of the team you are able to do more and gain so much beyond merely a task completed. Going the extra mile can be difficult and involves dedication and commitment. This last way is probably the hardest as it requires time. Time is such a valuable commodity and yet one of the best ways to demonstrate your heart and your intentions. It’s simple really. If you want to truly be more than an armchair quarterback. If you want to show yourself to be a true part of the community and be of value to a project where you can be a part of a team, these four ways will help you get started. I love the feeling of having friends working beside me. Together we can build great things and overcome remarkable obstacles. I’d love to have you join me in one of the fantastic open source communities I have the privilege to work. Got questions? Ready to get started? Message me. Let’s do this thing!