Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference + OSPOCon 2021

Leaderboards that show the top-performing contributors are double-edge swords in a community's toolbox. Tracking contributions can introduce an element of gamification, especially when contributors gain privileges in a community based on their level of contributions. As a positive outcome, leaderboards can facilitate increased participation, motivation, and contributions which hopefully advances the community. As a negative outcome, leaderboards can discourage contributors who may be participating in different ways. They can also lead to increased activity that inadvertently works against the good of the community as contributors are focusing on increasing misaligned metrics. In this interactive panel session, panelists will discuss with participants the use of leaderboards and alternative metrics we can use. The session begins with a brief introduction to leaderboards, how to implement them, and examples of successful and catastrophic uses. Then, all attendants are invited to share their experiences and discuss better uses of leaderboards or alternative means to grow communities and contributions. The conversation will be captured and inform the work of the Linux Foundation CHAOSS project, where attendees are invited to continue the conversation after OSSummit.