Bingo! This part can't be emphasized enough. That is probably the biggest payoff in working open source--getting the good contacts. Plus, if you work for a proprietary software company, there is a very good chance you may not even be able to show your contribution to a potential employer. On the flip side, I've always thought that OSS projects were a little Marxist. I've seen a few software companies that tried to compete with them--its not pretty.
> I’ve always thought that OSS projects were a little Marxist.
They tend to be more Libertarian-anarchic. :)
I’ve been working with OSS for years. Yeah, there are some Marxists, but there are some REAL Constitutinal Conservatives walking heavy. :)
Most folks avoid talking politics in this environment, because we all realize we ain’t gonna convince one another. People change their worldview, indeed, but usually due to changes in circumstances, or in personal revelaton, or even in faith.