Project Proposal: IFT Book Club - Building Open Source Culture
Questions
- How can we effectively transition 200+ CCs with diverse backgrounds into an open source culture aligned with Logos principles?
- What shared texts and discussions will create common language and values across our distributed organization?
- How do we balance accessibility for newcomers with depth for experienced open source practitioners?
- What format best supports consistent participation while respecting global time zones and varying commitment levels?
- How does intellectual exploration through reading support our broader movement toward a bazaar-style organization?
Definitions
- Open Source Culture: The collaborative, transparent, merit-based approach to development and governance that Jarrad outlined as essential for Logos’ future
- CC Reading Group: A recurring space for Core Contributors to explore foundational texts together, building shared understanding
- Intellectual Rituals: Regular practices of collective learning that reinforce organizational values and create emotional connection
- Cathedral vs Bazaar: The two development models that represent our organizational transformation journey
- Participation Spectrum: Recognition that engagement ranges from active reading to passive listening, all contributing to collective learning
Theorems
- Shared texts create common vocabulary and conceptual frameworks essential for distributed collaboration
- Regular intellectual gatherings function as interaction rituals that build organizational solidarity (per IRC theory)
- The book club itself models the open source principles we’re trying to instill - voluntary participation, shared leadership, transparent discussion
- Understanding open source philosophy through classic texts accelerates the cathedral-to-bazaar transformation
- Collective learning experiences create emotional energy that motivates continued participation in organizational culture
Conjectures/Hypotheses
- Monthly cadence balances momentum with realistic reading expectations for busy CCs
- Audio-only format reduces barriers to participation while maintaining substantive discussion
- Having prepared facilitators ensures valuable sessions even with variable attendance
- Pre-shared quotes/excerpts enable meaningful participation without full reading completion
- Starting with “The Cathedral and the Bazaar” provides ideal foundation for understanding our organizational shift
- Book discussions will naturally evolve into broader conversations about applying concepts to Logos work
Processes
-
Monthly Cycle
- Book selection announcement with 3-4 week lead time
- Mid-month reminder with key excerpts/discussion prompts
- End-of-month discussion call (audio-only)
- Post-call summary shared in Discord/forums
-
Facilitation Structure
- Rotating pairs of facilitators (ensuring continuity per best practice)
- Pre-call preparation of key quotes and discussion questions
- Opening with brief context/summary for those who couldn’t read
- Guided discussion interspersed with excerpt readings
- Closing with practical applications to Logos work
-
Participation Gradients
- Full readers: Complete book, prepared to discuss deeply
- Excerpt readers: Review provided selections, engage with key concepts
- Active listeners: Join call, absorb discussion, ask questions
- Async participants: Review call summary, continue discussion in text channels
-
Book Selection Process
- Initial curation of “must read” open source texts
- Community suggestions via Discord channel
- Balance between classics and contemporary relevance
- Consideration of length, accessibility, and alignment with current organizational needs
Examples
- First selection: “The Cathedral and the Bazaar” - directly addresses our organizational transformation
- Successful 3+ year online book club demonstrates sustainability of audio-only format
- Quote-based discussion structure allows participation without full reading: “Even if no one reads, you can read the most important excerpts together”
- Two committed facilitators create reliability: “There MUST be at least 2 people who ALWAYS show”
- Recognition that “most people will not actually read anything, but that doesn’t mean they can’t participate”
- Camera-optional approach reduces friction: “Video/camera doesn’t add anything substantial”
- Monthly timeline provides realistic reading window while maintaining momentum
