Come on in, the water's fine!
I mentioned "sustained contribution " in my last post; let's take a look at contributing to the Ubuntu Project. There really is something for every skill set. If you don't know how to do something and want to learn chances are there is a project, LoCo team member, or mentor for that skill somewhere in the Ubuntu Community.
When I started looking at where I could get involved in the community I found the Get Involved page on the Ubuntu site under community participation that listed the areas of contribution by type of user as well as just a list on the page. This way users can take a look and figure out what best fits the individual users skills and interests. The categories to chose from include: Developers, Non Technical Users , Technical Users, Wiki, Donate.
Developer - Takes Ubuntu Users to the Developer Zone then they proceed to the Developer Documentation and there is where they find out about the following: Overview of Development, The Release Process, Packaging, The Package Archives, Installation Media, Language Packages - Internationalisation/Localisation, Other Resources.
Non-Technical Users - This page lists the following areas: Artwork, Translation and localisation, and Documenting solutions. Under each of these are several links to other pages to help help you get started.
Technical Users - Let's Users know how to help other Users in the following areas: Testing Pre-Release Versions of Ubuntu, Report Bugs, Ubuntu Mailing Lists, Forums, and/or helping in #ubuntu channel on Freednode by joining and supporting the discussion.
Wiki - Brings up the Ubuntu Wiki explanation page and gives links to: Ubuntu Wiki, HelpOnEditing, and the Ubuntu Code of Conduct.
Donate - This will take you to a page that explains what the funds are used for and how to make a donation to the project. Though this area of contribution will not be considered when you apply for Ubuntu membership, it is a way for people to contribute should they choose too.
As mentioned above The Get Involved page lists the contribution areas. Here's the areas listed under Contribution: Development, Documentation, Design, Support, Local Community (LoCo) Teams, Testing, Bug Squad. Also mentioned on Get Involved page is Brainstorm - the special website where everyone can participate, and can make a suggestion and vote on the ideas that are there.
I found this page back about a year ago, and it was a huge help for me, when I was finding ways to contribute to the Ubuntu Project . This is a great place to start as it shows Ubuntu Users the broad scope of areas in need of contribution. It also allows new Ubuntu Users find out where they get involved in the Ubuntu project, or seasoned Users to find new ways to contribute. Over the next few weeks I am going to explore each of these areas a bit more as I talk to people in those areas and see how and where Ubuntu Users can Get Involved. What are you waiting for - Jump in the waters fine!
For more info on how you can participate in and contribute to Ubuntu, visit:
http://www.ubuntu.com/community/participate.
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