[mooreds]

I'd broaden the question about sustainability. I haven't worked deeply on OSS, but have worked with a number of other volunteer organizations or efforts, some on my own and some with a community.

In all cases, there needs to be some payback to the folks putting in time. And it can't just be money, because volunteer organizations never have enough money to compensate appropriately. Otherwise they'd be businesses :) .

Other forms of compensation:

   * fun, as you outline
   * recognition from others
   * impact on the world
   * legacy/connecting to the past
   * satisfaction of helping others
   * increased leverage toward other goals
   * learning new skills
   * connection and community

I'm sure there are a dozen others. But recognizing and fostering these benefits is critical to OSS surviving.

[mikemcquaid]

See, I do think everything like "recognition/impact" needs to come back at least in part to "fun" or it's not sustainable.

It's nice to think about how your work affects others!

It's important, though, to "put on your own oxygen mask first" :)