Each for All: The Co-operative Connection

As many of our listeners know, I self identify as a computer nerd and love to explore the parallels between the Open Source development model and organizational models found in the social economy. At Open Web Vancouver 2009 I had a chance to interview a hero of mine.

Angela "webchick" Byron is the Drupal 7 core maintainer. She is ultimately responsible for the source code for the latest major release of the über-popular website building software Drupal. She seems to approach this huge responsibility with humor, care and grace.

Speaking with Angie about the Open Source development model opened my eyes to many of the misconceptions I had about these software development communities and lowered some mental barriers I didn't realize I had. She speaks about getting over the "Einstein-perception", which is the misconception that I'm not worthy to get involved because only geniuses can do that stuff. Ultimately the most successful Open Source projects are developed by a diverse community that is self-supporting.

Topics covered in out interview (in various depths) - Part 1:
- Lullabot
- Women in Open Source
- Community Participation
- Drupal's Community
- Getting engaged in the community

Topics covered - Part 2:
- Do-ocracy model
- GPL License and derived works
- Organizational strutures
- Future of Drupal
--- James Walker's Presentation
--- Drupal 7
--- Semantic web defined simply

With the Drupal 7 code freeze arriving September 1st, I wanted to help stoke the Drupal fire. I hope you enjoy the interview. Angie YOU ROCK!