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CHAOSScast – Episode 117
In this episode of CHAOSScast, Georg Link and Sean Goggins welcome guest Vicky Brasseur, author of Business Success with Open Source and Forge Your Future with Open Source. The conversation explores Vicky’s early journey into open source, starting from discovering Project Gutenberg in the early '90s to using Linux for the first time, the challenges companies face when using open source software, and how organizations can better leverage it strategically. The discussion also delves into her book, Forge Your Future with Open Source, which addresses common questions about contributing to open source projects. Vicky highlights the gaps in strategic open source usage within organizations and offers insights on how companies can better utilize open source software to reduce business risks. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for making a compelling business case for open source contributions and the importance of speaking the language of decision-makers. Press download now!
[00:01:05] Vicky introduces herself, shares her journey into open source, and introduces Project Gutenberg, LibriVox, and the value of community contributions to open knowledge and public domain resources.
[00:06:44] Vicky shares how her first book, Forge Your Future with Open Source, helps newcomers start their contribution journey and why she wrote it to be reused across audiences.
[00:10:54] There’s a discussion on how open source opens career path globally, especially in underserved economics.
[00:12:46] Vicky shares some advice from her book for new contributors: Don’t start with Linux and find a project in an area you love (e.g., music, cars, sewing) to maintain long-term motivation.
[00:15:18] Sean and Georg share their personal origin stories in open source.
[00:19:23] Georg introduces Vicky’s second book, Business Success with Open Source, and she discusses the premise of the book and the “Three Part Framework.”
[00:26:08] Vicky argues that even Linux Foundation member companies often don’t understand open source at an organizational level.
[00:29:19] Vicky is available for consulting, following her layoff. She encourages listeners to reach out via her website.
[00:33:55] Why do projects fail? Vicky shares failures come from poor communication and unchecked assumptions across industries, not just tech.
[00:35:36] Vicky criticizes companies for chasing vanity metrics like GitHub stars and praises the CHAOSS Project but notes most companies misuse metrics or don’t tie them to strategic goals. Also, “Script kiddie” is explained.
[00:40:13] Vicky explains how to ethically influence execs by speaking their language, use Power Points and show cost comparisons (e.g., OpenStreetMap vs Google Maps), and she emphasizes to use “TL;DR” (Too Long; Didn’t Read) friendly presentations to connect open source financial and operational outcomes.
[00:44:27] There’s a special discount code for everyone to use on Vicky’s eBooks and audiobooks on The Pragmatic Bookshelf website and the code is VBCHAOSS **for 30% off **through Oct 2025.
[00:45:16] Find out where you can follow Vicky and her work on the internet.
Value Adds (Picks) of the week:
Panelists:
Georg Link
Sean Goggins
Guest:
VM (Vicky) Brasseur
Links:
Forge Your Future with Open Source by VM (Vicky) Brasseur (Code: VBCHAOSS)
Business Success with Open Source by VM (Vicky) Brasseur (Code: VBCHAOSS)
Nora McDonald (College of Engineering and Computing)
Failure: Why It Happens & How to Benefit from It by VM (Vicky) Brasseur
Special Guest: VM (Vicky) Brasseur.