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
Hey Sayan!
Thank you for guiding me in understanding the various parts of Fedora infra and explaining stuff in detail. Thank you for being an active member of the Fedora Community and making it a happier place for contributors.
Looking forward to meeting you someday :)
Anonymous message
Some time ago, I shared a very personal story with the world and you shared some personal words of encouragement to me. Sometimes, when I most need it, I think of what you told me and I think of your story. It inspires me and fills me up. I don't know if you remember your words, but I remember them, and they mean so much to me, even now. Maybe my favorite part of working with you is your heart, both what you put into what you're passionate about and what you put into the people who work with you on those same passions.
See you soon. Thanks Rikki.