A systematic examination of the factors that influence the success or abandonment of open-source software projects and the implications for other kinds of collaborations. The use of open-source software (OSS)--readable software source code that can be copied, modified, and distributed freely--has expanded dramatically in recent years. The number of OSS projects hosted on SourceForge.net (the largest hosting Web site for OSS), for example, grew from just over 100,000 in 2006 to more than 250,000 at the beginning of 2011. But why are some projects successful--that is, able to produce usable software and sustain ongoing development over time--while others are abandoned? In this book, the product of the first large-scale empirical study to look at social, technical, and institutional aspects of OSS, Charles Schweik and Robert English examine factors that lead to success in OSS projects and work toward a better understanding of Internet-based collaboration. Drawing on literature from many disciplines and using a theoretical framework developed for the study of environmental commons, Schweik and English examine stages of OSS development, presenting multivariate statistical models of success and abandonment. Schweik and English argue that analyzing the conditions of OSS successes may also inform Internet collaborations in fields beyond software engineering, particularly those that aim to solve complex technical, social, and political problems.

If there's a software startup company in your developer heart, this is the book that will make it happen. The Web Startup Success Guide is your one-stop shop for all of the answers you need today to build a successful web startup in these challenging economic times. It covers everything from making the strategic platform decisions as to what kind of software to build, to understanding and winning the Angel and venture capital funding game, to the modern tools, apps and services that can cut months off development and marketing cycles, to how startups today are using social networks like Twitter and Facebook to create real excitement and connect to real customers. Bob Walsh, author of the landmark Micro-ISV: From Vision to Reality, digs deep into the definition, financing, community–building, platform options, and productivity challenges of building a successful and profitable web application today.

Nonprofit Internet Strategies offers every charitable organization the opportunity to analyze their options and select the appropriate strategy to integrate traditional marketing, communications, and fundraising practices with their online efforts. It is an excellent how-to guide--a practical manual for nonprofit staff written in non-technical language--prepared by experts in the field based on real-life experiences and case studies.

Covering the do's and don'ts of Web entrepreneurship, this book brings together some of the world's most highly acclaimed designers and developers, spanning every continent, all of whom share their knowledge and experience.

Matthew Paulson, Founder of Analyst Ratings Network, Lightning Releases and GoGo Photo Contest, has weathered the failures and triumphs of being an entrepreneur for nearly a decade to create his own seven-figure Internet business. 40 Rules for Internet Business Success is his collection of core principles and strategies he used to grow his business.

Eager business owners gain access to the playbooks of 23 of today’s most respected and well-known online marketers, who reveal their most valuable online strategies and tactics for capturing new customers and influencing ongoing purchases from current ones. Each chapter is a coaching session designed to help business owners avoid the pitfalls and mistakes by the experts who have been there and done that. Readers learn how to develop a personal media brand, build a total online presence, and create a social media strategy that increases traffic. They also discover how to develop and use content that converts visitors into buyers and ultimately loyal customers, succeed with SEO, pay-per-click, and linking strategies that get websites ranked. Also included is information on leveraging social networking apps, including Facebook, online video, and Instagram, and avoiding the mistakes made by new online businesses.

Berklee Book Trade This hands-on guide is essential for any musician who wants to build a fan base and increase profits through the Internet. Peter Spellman, Director of the Career Development Center at Berklee College of Music, guides the self-managed musician through successful strategies to promote music online, reach new audiences, and maximize income. Readers will learn how to: create a professional website; share music downloads; sell and license music online; broadcast on Internet radio; webcast live concerts; create streaming audio; get an online record deal; and much more. Includes an invaluable listing of more than 300 music-related websites!