I have a library for R (open source statistics package) mapped out on paper. I have started coding the different functions but I realize that I don't have the time needed to finish this in a reasonable amount of time. I know I can just throw the code up on a repo and call for others to help fill in the blanks. But I'd like to incentivize things a bit. I'm thinking about putting a bounty on each function of, say, $5-$20. There's no way that $20 would be a fair return on time for a developer to code each function. But my thought is that the cash (or Amazon gift certificates) would be an inventive for people to actually work on the project. And it would allow me to put higher bounties on the functions I am most interested in.
I have a few questions related to this:
- Good idea?
- I going to make the development work faster, or slower? I've read Predictably Irrational and I'm concerned that by offering menial pay for functions I might actually disincentive developers.
- Are there sites devoted to this type of activity? Can you recommend one based on personal experience?
- Would you recommend a totally different approach? I'm open to ideas!