What are Open-Source Happiness Packets?
People are generally much more loved than they think they are. Especially when things don't go according to plan, other people almost never think as harshly of you as you might think of yourself. It's easy for us to complain when bad things happen, and yet we're often fairly silent when things are good. Open-source communities are no different, especially when our main communication channels are textual and virtual.
The feeling that you made a difference, that your work matters and has value, and that the people you work with are happy to work with you, is an awesome feeling. With Open-Source Happiness Packets, we're trying to spread that feeling.
How does it work?
Openly expressing appreciation, gratitude, or happiness to other people can be difficult. This is especially true when you don't know them very well. Many of us come from cultures in which people are not open by default about such feelings, and naturally feel uncomfortable or even creepy to share them.
Open-Source Happiness Packets is a very simple platform to anonymously reach out to the people that you appreciate or to whom you are thankful in your open-source community. Your message can be sent anonymously if you feel uncomfortable to share your name with the recipient. Of course, we encourage you to share your name, but it's completely optional!
Happiness Archive
If both the sender and the recipient agree, we can publish the Happiness Packet on the website. We hope to build an archive of open-source happiness that communities can draw inspiration from.
As an example, here are two random messages from our archive:
From Julita Inca to Phil Bull
Dear Phil, you were an example of selflessness and how to serve others by studying and teaching Linux. You has taught me the importance of it and your lesson changed a little bit my whole life! Iām so grateful for your help and support you gave me at any time. This week I took the challenge to say thanks to my Linux mentors, and this is a great opportunity to say that You are the greatest mentor I have ever had! :D <3
Anonymous message
A long time ago, I met this guy who really liked Linux and open source stuff. Then I got to know him and I found out that he was also a cool guy with a really big heart. I'm really glad that I got to know you and I'm excited by all of the things you do in the open source community, both in RIT and outside of it. I have a strong appreciation for what you bring to the table and for helping build inclusive communities for others to have a part in something and contribute. Thanks for all of the awesome work that you do!