A plan for open source software maintainers
It seems one <i>small</i> approach in the right direction would be for someone+ to provide a discovery/marketing service for helping spotlight, bring to the forefront those working on the infrastructure-type projects. Thinking more along the lines of a podcast, blog, etc. that would generate revenue from sponsors. Akin to Changelog or other podcasts, but specifically focused on the behind-the-scenes/infrastructure/maintaince type stuff - the "backstory" if you will. Folks could donate to this service and funds could be funneled to the highlighted projects/developers.<p>The "marketing service" angle would be to provide free marketing to these types of projects. Inviting folks as guests, writing about projects, etc.<p>It does solve the overall problem for everyone, but it would be going in the general right direction. There may be efforts like this already, but I am not aware of them.<p>+ I do not have the time it would take to do this well.