Luisa Sofie Faßbender
Unplanned topics for blog posts are my favorite. They come with a kind of authenticity and spontaneity that planned posts sometimes lack. A few years ago, Jochen Weiland inspired me to write about why I am part of the TYPO3 Community. That post is still one of my favorites, written with purpose and straight from the heart. Even today, it holds true and remains online for others to read: TYPO3 Camp RheinRuhr - Share your story about TYPO3: #WhyAmIHere.
This time, the inspiration comes from a conversation with Georg Ringer during TYPO3 Camp Vienna. Georg suggested creating an “official way” for people to express their gratitude to contributors. It was one of those lightbulb moments that immediately resonated with me.
Firstly, thank you, Georg. As a long-time contributor who has dedicated countless hours — both professionally and personally — to TYPO3 and extensions like news, your passion and commitment inspire so many. The fact that you’ve brought this up shows once again how deeply you care about our community and ecosystem.
Why Saying "Thank You" Matters
Open Source is a living, breathing ecosystem. It’s not just about code; it’s about people — Contributors are the lifeblood of Open Source projects. They’re the ones writing documentation at midnight, fixing bugs on weekends, answering questions in forums, creating tutorials, organizing meetups, and advocating for tools like TYPO3 in their daily work.
Often, their contributions happen behind the scenes, invisible to most users. These efforts keep the wheels turning, yet they’re rarely met with the recognition they deserve.
Saying “Thank you” is simple, but its impact is profound. It shows contributors that their work is valued, appreciated, and noticed. It strengthens bonds within the community and reminds us all why we’re here: to create something greater together.
The TYPO3 “Postcards of Gratitude” Initiative
Inspired by Georg’s idea, let’s take this one step further. Imagine sending a handwritten postcard to your favorite contributor—a tangible expression of your gratitude. Sure, a tweet or email is nice, but there’s something special about receiving a physical token of appreciation. It’s personal, meaningful, and lasting.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Think of a contributor who has made a difference in your experience with TYPO3.
- Write a heartfelt thank-you message. It doesn’t have to be long—just sincere.
- Send it to our TYPO3 Headquarter! We’ll take care of handling the further distribution for you.
Our postal address:
TYPO3 GmbH
Emanuel-Leutze-Straße 11
40547 Düsseldorf
Germany
Beyond Gratitude: Supporting Contributions
While saying “Thank you” is powerful, we can do even more to support contributors:
- Enable contributions: Make it easier for people to get involved, whether through onboarding programs, clear documentation, or mentorship.
- Sponsor contributors: Many contributors work unpaid. Financial support, even in small amounts, can make a big difference.
- Celebrate successes: Highlight contributors and their work in blog posts, newsletters, the #achievements Slack Channel or social media.
- Create opportunities: Encourage participation in events, sprints, or working groups where new contributors can join in.
A Call to Action
This is your reminder: Open Source thrives only with a vibrant, engaged community. When that community falters, so does the project. We’ve seen it happen before, and it’s a cautionary tale we mustn’t ignore.
So, take a moment today to reflect on the people who’ve made your Open Source experience better. Write a postcard, send a thank-you email, or simply reach out with a kind word.
Let’s ensure the heart of Open Source continues to beat strong.
