Contributing is also about learning.

In my experience the best way to learn how to do something is to try and do it and to listen to the feedback that you get.

In my opinion, contributing is never about recognition but always about making things better, giving back.

In general, in all walks of life, people should contribute because they have skills and information that they want to share to help other improve – not because they want recognition.

Recognition is obviously caused by contributing, but contributing does not automatically earn you recognition.

Within the WordPress community, we try very hard to give the appropriate recognition to the people that do contribute both through the commit messages and the release announcements.

Jacob, if you have the time, your contributions however large or small are always welcome!

In my experience, those who are say, “Don’t you know who I am?”, no one really does. To gain respect in those circles you have to prove yourself and until you do so, then no one knows who you are. I like that better, because you don’t get too full of yourself.

If you don’t know you are a big shot, then you never start acting like one. Indeed, being taken down by someone bigger isn’t a great feeling. It is not something that looks good to watch, let alone being the person it is happening too.

Coupled with the fact that there is always someone better, one should strive to be better like that person.

The only time I wished I had a reputation is when someone is doubting me and I know for a fact that I’m correct. Those times, I wish, “Oh yeah, Master Jacob says it therefore it is true.” Oh well, it will eventually come to them sooner or later, however it will be later than sooner in that instance.

It is difficult being humble, but I enjoy it. There are too many expectations when you have a big reputation, whether it is a good expectation or a bad one.

For instance, I have a lot of respect for Dion and Peter Westwood. And others for whom I will not name. Those people to me are totally awesome and I’ve come out to say it. However, there are others that I haven’t, but I recognize who they are. I can only hope that I can achieve the level of skill that Dion and Peter have.

Sounds dreadful to see it written, but her point was better made by George Carlin. Life is a continuing force. It just keeps rollin’, rollin’ rollin’ along. We are all cogs in the wheel of life, and we all keep it going in the direction we are going as we travel through this life.

You will be remembered, but the point you really want to make is that we shouldn’t be doing this for the recognition nor fame it might bring. The hardest workers are the ones that are not remembered. Barely have names. They are the ones who put their heads down and did what needed to be done. They are the ones we need to celebrate and forget, paying attention to the noise makers.

I honor those constantly who make the least amount of noise, but it’s a fine line. Many of those want to stay hidden behind the curtain even though they are pulling the cords. These are the folks that make WordPress the powerhouse it is and I’m eternally grateful, even if I can’t brag about them all the time.

Trust me, my grandmother’s saying aside, you would be missed and your contributions have been well respected and appreciated, in all their forms. Just because they don’t recognize you or your name, especially with all the pseudonyms going around, doesn’t mean you are adored.

Virtual hugs.

Some of the explanations for WordPress leaving-Habari joining may be here: http://wiki.habariproject.org/en/Why_Habari%3F.

Basically, what I’m saying is that, 1) contributors don’t do so to be recognized, and 2) if your goal is to be recognized, then you will only be so as long as you contribute.

I was pondering my post and came to realize that someone who actively contributes is different from the person who fixes and problem for themselves.

I’m still going and going and going. The answer will be Browser Game Development, but I’m finding that I can use the core of WordPress instead of building something from the ground up.

It doesn’t look like I’ll be leaving the community anytime soon. Just fade from supporting as much as I’ve have.