It is unlikely that anyone reading this doesn't know what Pugs is since it is all the rage, but just in case - http://pugscode.org
Pugs is the brain child of Autrijus Tang. He decided to take a 6 month sabbatical from paying work to see what resulted. He did not pursue funding because he wanted the freedom to take the project in any direction that felt right.
The result has been amazing and it has also added much needed fuel to other people on other projects. Unfortunately, the 6 month self-allotted window of time ended 2005-08-01. So what does that mean for Autrijus and Pugs and the rest of us? I had a chance to talk to him yesterday to find out. While I have changed the wording of the conversation for brevity, I believe the intent of what was being said remains in tact.
Q: What are your immediate plans now that your sabbatical is over?
A: I will split consulting gigs and Pugs development 50/50 for the next 2 months. After that I will likely focus more time on paying work so I can take another sabbatical in early 2006. While the next one may be shorter, my intention is to spend some time in Europe with leo and/or other lambdas/camels.
Q: If I recall correctly, you have indicated that you are no longer opposed to funding. Given the number of major direction changes in Pugs over the last 6 months, would you accept funding if it meant giving up the freedom to take the project in any direction you felt was right?
A: I am open to funding but the way TPF grants currently work, namely having fixed delivery goals and timelines, isn't in alignment of how I want this project to operate. I can shift priorities and journal my efforts but that's about it.
Q: If TPF or someone else were interested in funding you for Pugs development, how much would it cost?
A: I have been able to focus completely on Pugs as well as travel to various conventions and hackathons for $3000 USD per month.
Q: How much capital would you need before you get started?
A: I haven't stopped Pugs development and I don't intend to. Funding, in any amount, means not having to devote a propotional amount of time to paying work. In other words, I am completely flexible.
Q: If someone is interested in helping support Pugs development financially, what should they do?
A: For now email - things may change but if they do I will post about that myself.
