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If you don't have coding skills, why don't you help foss software by making it more user friendly instead? (lemmy.giftedmc.com)

submitted 10 months ago by haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Disclaimer

Not trying to blame anyone here. I‘m just taking an idea I‘ve read and spinning it further:

Intro

A lot of people use free open source software (foss), Linux being one of them. But a lot less actually help make this software. If I ask them why, they always say „I don’t have the coding skills!“.

Maybe its worth pointing out that you don‘t need them. In a lot of cases it’s better to not have any so you can see stuff with a „consumer view“.

In that situation you can file issues on github and similar places. You can write descriptions that non technical people can understand. You can help translate and so on, all depending on your skills.

Other reasons?

I‘d really like to know so the foss community can talk about making it worthwile for non coders to participate.

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[–] not_a_bot_i_swear@lemmy.world 34 points 10 months ago (3 children)

Because every time you try to suggest more modern interfaces you run into the type of people that like it when software looks utilitarian and bland.

[–] stealth_cookies@lemmy.ca 7 points 10 months ago

Seriously how many people have complained about how GIMP works and looks to the point where Gimpshop exists but they still haven't made any improvements.

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com 2 points 10 months ago

Which I can understand. Everyone is entitled their own opinions.

[–] cashews_best_nut@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

run into the type of people that like it when software looks utilitarian and bland.

Pretty much 99% of programmers. Which includes me tbh. All of my early web admin panels were grey boxes. Grey everywhere! Thank god for Bootsrap.