Episode 181: John Robb of React Flow on how we ask for money in open source

Guest John Robb Panelists Richard Littauer | Amanda Casari Show Notes Hello and welcome to Sustain! The podcast where we talk about sustaining open source for the long haul. We’re super excited to have guest, John Robb, joining us today. John is a Community Manager at React Flow, an open source library for building node-based UI. Today, John talks about how they’ve sustained the project without investors and valuing intentionally and autonomy over endless growth. Then, there’s a conversation around paying contributors, supporting diverse contributors, and establishing boundaries for a safe environment. Also, we’ll hear about the challenges of funding open source projects, understanding the purchase funnel, and the need for transparency and clarity around the financial aspects of open source projects. Download this episode now to hear more! [00:01:53] John tells us about React Flow and how they’ve managed to sustain the project without investors. [00:04:50] “Dear Open Source: let’s do a better job of asking for money,” is a blog post John wrote and he used the word “ramen profitable,” so he explains what it means. [00:06:44] John talks about the company values intentionality and autonomy over growth and endless expansion. [00:09:32 ] As a Community Manager, John’s interested in thinking critically about growth and what it means to have a community. [00:11:13] The conversation revolves around the tension between personal greed and the desire for growth in open source projects. [00:15:38] The group discusses the importance of paying contributors for their work and how to invite and support a diverse range of contributors. [00:18:33 ] John tells us about an experience that’s been most relevant to him while doing community management work which was at a design camp called Stone Soup that he co-organized this year. [00:21:13] They discuss the history of open source and how it began with large enterprises working together on project without violating antitrust laws. [00:23:43 ] There’s a conversation about the impo