[kstenerud]

It would make a lot of sense for larger software houses to donate to open source developers who develop the tools they use. This is win-win since they get the best person to maintain the software, have the developer's ear, and don't have to deal with labor laws or office space or management. They don't even need to be in the same country or time zone.

Plus, it's a cheap way to virtue signal, and goodwill is always good for business!

[Sir_Cmpwn]

This works for many people, but one of my challenges has been that I mostly write end-user software - and end-users have much shallower pockets.

[chrisseaton]

> to donate to open source developers who develop the tools they use

Are those people available to work extra hours for pay though?

I help maintain some open source software but if someone offered me money to work on it more then sorry but I don't have magic extra hours in the day to do that - I've got a full-time job and hobbies of my own.

I think it's better the companies step forward and put the hours in as well as the money.

[kstenerud]

When you donate to someone, there aren't strings attached. There are no expected hours. It's merely a "thank you", and an incentive for the person to keep at what he's already doing.

Of course, with enough donations going on, it would be possible to quit your fulltime job like this fellow has done, freeing up even more of his time.

[badosu]

With enough funding the developer can invest in a team, adhering to their standards.