What are Open-Source Happiness Packets?
People are generally much more loved than we think we are. But while it's easy for many to complain when they don't like something, 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.
However, 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 and important 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. With this, we're building an archive of open-source happiness that people and communities can use to draw inspiration.
As an example, here are two random messages from our archive:
Anonymous message
you are the best. At your age, I was not even thinking about any of the crazy things you are doing now for Open Source. You are an amazing contributor. A person who is welcoming and respectful to other contributors. Your work in Open Source always keep me motivated and do more. Hope to be always connected with you in the world of Open Source.
Anonymous message
I don't even know where to begin. Because of your leadership and support, I was able to be a part of something that has changed my life. Helping organize DjangCon US 2017 is the thing I'm most proud of in my life so far. Following your example and being inspired by your fearlessness and confidence allowed me to participate in the most amazing experience. You gave me the confidence to take leadership on the program team although I had no experience, as well as to submit and give a talk! I'm so honored to be your friend and colleague. You did an amazing job chairing this conference, especially given all of your various other responsibilities. You are smart and decisive, technically gifted, an excellent teacher and mentor, an asset to every project you work on, and an inspiration to everyone you meet. You are an amazing person, and I'm glad you're my friend :)