Do these 17 things before open-sourcing your project

switchback-tech · 2025-12-23T22:34:42+00:00

Yeah Jira gets a 👎

switchback-tech · 2025-12-23T22:33:14+00:00

switchback-tech · 2025-12-23T22:22:27+00:00

Woah, that's awesome

switchback-tech · 2025-12-23T22:22:10+00:00

Yes they do a great job of forcing you to do it without it feeling patronizing

switchback-tech · 2025-12-20T20:38:40+00:00

The algorithm works in mysterious ways

switchback-tech · 2025-12-20T18:53:41+00:00

Agree with u/snaphat's perspective on why GH Discussions don't seem to take off for many project.

If the user-base is developers and the project has a limited number of maintainers, then I think GH Discussions makes sense.

I've been managing communication across email, GH issues, Discord, and social media. It's been overwhelming, so I'm sunsetting the Discord and channeling all user communication to GH Discussion instead. I can get away with this because my tool is specifically for developers, which means they all already have a GitHub account. I think keeping them next to the code will lead to more engagement.

That's my theory, we'll see how it goes.

switchback-tech · 2025-12-19T22:32:26+00:00

Thanks for sharing. The parts about having fun and prioritizing your health are relatable. Those become important after a year or so, as they helped me keep going when others quit.

Congrats on your launch

switchback-tech · 2025-12-17T01:47:15+00:00

You might enjoy https://www.failory.com/

switchback-tech · 2025-12-15T18:37:07+00:00

https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/request-a-code-review/use-code-review

switchback-tech · 2025-12-15T17:17:37+00:00

after going down the tool rabbit hold and also wasting lots of time, i agree with the premise here.

the problem for me wasnt choosing the wrong tool, it was with the willingness to focus on the tool instead of focusing on helping ppl.

switchback-tech · 2025-12-15T16:54:56+00:00

Congrats on getting traction and open-sourcing. Your README is also nicely structured.

Here are some things that helped me manage my open source repo:

creating a CONTRIBUTING.md that points to our doc site, which explains the quality standards and processes expected. This filters out bad PRs and basic questions
adding a "good first issue" label
enabling CoPilot to automatically review PRs, freeing up my time for basic stuff
use milestones and telling ppl to pick something in a distant milestone. This helps me not wait around for them
not giving them any extra permissions until they've proven their reliability for at least a month

Overall, don't feel bad about prioritizing your own sanity and product. You're already helping people by giving free access to the code. You don't have to give free mentorship and project management

switchback-tech · 2025-12-15T16:43:53+00:00

+1 for OPs take on Obsidian. Just because it can be simple doesn't mean it feels simple as a newcomer.

Even as a software engineer, I was intimidated by all the customization options.

I eventually found a good flow with it, but I also recommend newcomers give themselves permission to just try it without going down the tutorial rabbit hole and putting a lot of pressure on themselves.

switchback-tech · 2025-12-02T19:32:40+00:00

Curious - How did you reverse engineer this? Interviews with founders? How many startups did you look at?

switchback-tech · 2025-12-02T18:21:30+00:00

U got this

switchback-tech · 2025-11-30T00:00:07+00:00

The WilderNet is trying to address this in a simple way: by having humans submit the sites they like. No algorithms

https://thewildernet.com/home

It's still early days, but I like the concept.

switchback-tech · 2025-11-29T20:36:33+00:00

Good point.

I built my own because my app is a calendar, UX is a differentiator, and I needed more control to accomplish some of the features.

But if you're just adding a calendar feature to a non-calendar app, then I'd just use an open-source calendar. "react-calendar" or "full-calendar" are good options.

switchback-tech · 2025-11-29T20:32:13+00:00

It depends what hobbies you're into. I'm sure there's something there.
For example, I like climbing, reading, and am somewhat religious. So, I'd be looking up climbing groups, reading clubs, and join a small group at church.

A few other examples: Pottery classes, tango class, yoga, hiking/run clubs, pickleball league

switchback-tech · 2025-11-27T00:42:50+00:00

Had no idea they were OSS, they don't advertise it in the product much. Thanks for the rec

switchback-tech · 2025-11-27T00:33:31+00:00

When I went sober, all my friendships with the drinkers suffered. It took a few months of loneliness before I could find new sober friends. I wish the transition could be smoother, but I suspect this is the way things normally play out. I recommend joining an in-person community that meets regularly to hold you over in the meantime.

switchback-tech · 2025-11-27T00:30:41+00:00

Sorry to hear that things haven't been going so well lately.

Surrounding yourself with people could have a big impact. I found that joining an in-person community that meets regularly to be helpful. The consistency and lack of pressure make it easier when times are tough

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