Two Words That Kill Open Source

Do you know what you should NEVER, and I mean NEVER, say to open-source project authors? “I don't have time.” These two words can destroy a developer’s motivation faster than an iPhone battery drains while scrolling TikTok.

• “I don't have time to write a fix.”
• “I don't have time to create a bug report.”
• “This should be in the documentation, but I don’t have time to write it.”

Really? REALLY?!

Imagine you're at a party, and someone says to you: “Hey, you with the beer! Make me a sandwich. I don’t have time to make it myself, I’m too busy eating chips.” How would you feel? Like a vending machine with a face? That’s exactly how I feel when I read words like that. My motivation to help vanishes instantly, and I feel the urge to do anything else — even absolutely nothing.

You see, we open source developers are a peculiar breed. We spend hours of our free time creating software that we then make available to everyone. For free. Voluntarily. It’s like Santa Claus handing out gifts every day of the year, not just on Christmas. We enjoy it. But that doesn’t give anyone the right to boss us around like we’re some kind of digital slaves. So, when someone comes with a request for a new feature but “doesn’t have time” to contribute, it immediately raises the question, “Why should I have the time then?” It’s like asking Michelangelo to paint your living room because you “don’t have time” to do it yourself — as if he has nothing better to do.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated dozens of issues across various projects where I’ve asked, “Could you prepare a pull request?” and the reply was, “I could, but I don’t have time this week.” If that poor soul hadn’t written that sentence, I probably would’ve solved the issue long ago. But by saying that, they basically told me they don’t value my time. So, did they fix it themselves a week later? Not at all… 99% of the things people promised to do were never delivered, which is why 99% of those issues remain unresolved. They hang there like digital monuments to human laziness.

So, dear users, before you write “I don’t have time,” think again. What you’re really saying is, “Hey, you! Your free time is worthless. Drop everything you’re doing and deal with MY problem!” Instead, try this:

• Find the time. Trust me, it’s there. It might be hiding between episodes of your favorite show or in the time you spend scrolling through social media.
• Offer a solution. You don’t need to submit a full patch. Just show that you’ve given it some real thought.
• Motivate open source maintainers to take up your issue. For example, by showing how the change will be useful not just for you, but for the whole of humanity and the surrounding universe.

Next time you find a bug, request a new feature, or notice something missing from the documentation, try to help out the community in some way. Because in the open-source world, we’re all in the same boat. And to keep it moving forward, we all need to row. So don’t just sit there complaining that you “don’t have time” to paddle — grab an oar and do your part. Saying “I don’t have time” is the fastest way to kill the motivation of those who are giving you free software. Try to carve out those few minutes or hours. Your karma will thank you.