DEV Community

Discussion on: Ben's Five Keys to Creating a Successful Side Project

Collapse
 
nickma38 profile image
Nick Ma

Hi Ben, thanks for sharing your experience, the tone of the article is much down to earth and practical then common motivational pieces.

I'm struggling to find the key to persistence on side projects.

In your experience, would contributing opensource project to build skills, patience, and having people holding you accountable help?

Or would it be better to "start and finish" yourself? Keep projects small, and manage expectations?

Collapse
 
ben profile image
Ben Halpern

I would absolutely contribute to others' projects and allow contributions into yours. When contributing to others' projects, you are adding value back into the machine in great ways, building contacts, and gaining experience. I'd advise when starting your own projects, just to make them worthwhile in and of themselves, with lasting value. They shouldn't be projects that you would abandon if they don't gain traction quickly.

Thanks for the compliment on the post. I hoped to provide genuine help based on my learnings. Empty motivation is pretty lame if you ask me.