The-Source.com

The FSF recently launched GNU Generation, an effort to involve younger people in Free Software.

According to the FSF, GNU Generation is a program aimed at “pre-university” students (approx. ages 13-18). There are FAQs, profiles and software and non-software projects on the GNU Generation wiki. One different twist is that there is a monthly T-Shirt prize and an annual GNU/Linux netbook prize to a winning contributor.

I found the aspect of awarding prizes interesting. Here are the criteria for determining the winning contributor:

Free Software values – Those who do not demonstrate a complete understanding of the ideals and concepts of Free Software will not be taken into consideration.

Value of contribution – The value of work on projects is the most important factor in this decision. Please remember that “value of work” does not equate to “quantity of work”. A little bit of quality work is much more valuable than a lot of poor quality work.

Community involvement and teamwork – Synergy and assisting others is especially important in Free Software. Not only does it help others better contribute to Free Software, but it also makes them feel good. Don’t forget that, in most cases, helping someone is a great way to contribute…

Friends invited – In case you wondered why there is a special space for invited friends on the profile page, referring other students to GNU Generation is another good way to win something, especially if they become active contributors! Just make sure they credit you as inviting them.

I say “interesting” because not only does it attempt to add some sort of quantifiable measurement on a individual’s contribution, but also because the first (and most important?) criteria is framed in a negative manner. A bit strange there, I think.

This is a good program, because Closed Software houses well understand the value of “getting them while they are young”. Exposing and involving young individuals to the ethos and community around Free Software is a fine goal indeed!