A challenge often experienced by open-source projects is getting not only the first contribution from someone other than the core maintainers but also someone’s second and tenth contributions. The same goes for communities around an open-source project. In this talk, Floor and Jeremy will apply the meticulous methods of an "armchair scientist" to simplify these challenges. They will explore the critical role of first impressions and discuss how to lower barriers to entry through clear guidelines and well-defined tasks. In addition, they'll discuss how fostering a mentorship culture and recognizing all contributions can encourage sustained participation.

By aggregating best practices from leaders like Dawn Foster and analyzing real-world examples, they will discuss ways to equip project leads with strategies that balance the needs of maintainers and contributors, aiming for a more sustainable community and successful project outcomes.