Older blog entries for jlp (starting at number 1)

So, it's been just over a year since I posted my first (and, up to now, only) diary entry, offering my services as coder to any Free Software-type person that wanted to take me on. Time to summarize.

A kind soul took me up on it almost immediately, and I have been working on his pet project. In the process, I have improved immensely as a coder, and chipped in on other projects, as well as continuing to work steadily on Jellybean. More importantly, the connections made through my diary entry led to some very special friendships that will last a lifetime.

So thanks, raph, this place has made a large, positive difference in at least this person's life.

</saccharine>

A dilemma:
I really want to become involved in the Free Software community. I love programming, and I have great respect for all Free Software hackers. However, I am painfully shy (it's taking me a lot of effort to write something this public). I have found that I'm too intimidated to join projects, or submit patches, etc.

An offer:
So, I decided that since I can't work up the courage to approach others, I'd give them an opportunity to approach me. Anybody who needs a helper, a gopher, whatever, I'd love to help. I don't have any formal training, but I'm pretty skilled with Perl and Python, and I have a solid understanding of C (although I haven't had occasion to use it). I'm willing to help anybody who asks, who would be patient with me and help me along.

Well, that's it. If anybody wants a helper, I'm here, and if anybody has any other suggestions for me, I'm all ears. Thanks.