Managing First Impressions of New Open Source Software Projects

Abstract

Open source software literature has largely ignored how newly initiated OSS projects can attract developers in order to sustain their vitality. In light of the fact that most are eventually abandoned, more attention needs to be paid to how these projects can effectively and efficiently attract more developers. Drawing on impression-management literature, especially first-impression management, the authors explore the potential role that the initial presentation of new OSS projects plays in attracting developers. The article presents preliminary findings from a pilot study including interviews and an exploratory quantitative analysis for further research.