How Can I Contribute To Open Source?

rtobyr writes "I work for a state government agency. That means we can't donate money, because it's a 'gift of public funds.' I had the idea to put up a Web page stating that we 'use the following free software to save tax dollars,' as a way to help spread the word about open source software, but management calls this an 'endorsement.' A mirror server is a no-go as well. I'm certainly not a talented enough programmer to help with development. I've donated $10 here and there out of my own pocket, but I'm hoping you Slashdotters have some creative ideas about how my organization could give something back to the teams that create free software we benefit so much from."

Comments

Re:You're doing it wrong.

[Lord Kano]

First, if your manager says don't put up a web page, then don't. End of discussion.

Not quite. If you believe that your manager is wrong, go to his boss.

LK

Re:You're doing it wrong.

[TooMuchToDo]

I guess I jumped into running my own consulting firm (and out of working for a manager) fast enough that I'm not cynical to the point that it's just a job if it's something you care about. I wish your 10 years in the industry had been better than my 10 =( I seem to have had the opposite experience, but I've worked at Pixar, a DOE lab, and Google, so YMMV.

Re:You're doing it wrong.

[Lord Kano]

That's a sure way to piss off a person uniquely able to make your life miserable.

Only if you let him. We are not indentured servants. If your boss sucks, find a new job. It's what I do.

LK

Re:You're doing it wrong.

[Lord Kano]

Get bad performance reviews much?

Occasionally.

Going over your bosses' head on any signficant matter is pretty much the nuclear option and generally results in either you or him losing a job.

I'm quick to go over a boss's head. If the boss is wrong, his boss needs to know. I do not have a need to be liked by my boss. As long as I'm acceptable to myself, I'm content.

LK