We have hit episode 800 of Open Channels FM!
In this special milestone edition, Bob Dunn reflects on over eight years of open source conversations and introduces the new Open Source Champions.
You will hear how individuals and businesses can get involved, amplify their voices, and support the open source community through unique opportunities—from featured profiles and personal stories to dedicated podcast episodes.
Visit the Open Source Champions page
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Episode Transcript
Bob Dunn:
Hello and welcome to Open Channels FM, episode 800. Bob here. Well, over 8 and a half years into it, we are at another milestone. And as much as I might be tempted to reminisce, I find myself in that busy mode just trying to keep moving forward. Also, maybe we’ll wait for those moments when we hit 1,000. But I do want to take this nice rounded number to share more details about our Open Source Champions.
Over the years, I’ve found different ways to add support levels for our listeners, that is outside our sponsors. Some of them have worked, some of them not so much. Always the big challenge of doing something like that is not to take away anything from the sponsors while still making it valuable to support our efforts. That’s where I feel I may have hit a unique model that isn’t just a logo and a link.
First off, what does Open Source Champions mean? Now, by joining us, you or your business can show an enthusiasm for open source and support the voices keeping this conversation going all year long here at Open Channels FM. We’ve been part of the open source community since 2018. Myself, I’ve been an advocate since 2007. There’s over 600 voices here, and the Open Source Champions is a way for businesses and individuals who share those values to stand alongside us.
Well, you’re probably wondering now, okay, what do I get as an open source champion? I mean, that’s always a big question. I mean, I appreciate your support, but I want to, again, make it valuable to you.
First, you’ll get your logo or picture that will be featured on our Open Source Champions page with 2 links. The first one is the logo or the picture itself that will take visitors not just straight to your site, but to your own profile here on Open Channels FM. In addition, underneath there is a question, why open source? If someone clicks on that, a popup with a quote will appear from you explaining, well, why open source? It’s really pretty cool. And your Open Champions profile will have your logo or your picture, a description of who you are, whether an individual or a brand, and repeat the answer to your question, why open source? And of course, you get a link to your website and optionally YouTube or the usual social media platforms.
But when I did that, I was like, how can we dial you more into the podcast and what we’re doing here? So additionally, your story, your voice. Champions get the option for a published post on our blog or a 10-15 minute episode with me or one of our hosts about what led you to open source. In addition, this is where I think it’s going to be kind of cool. Each month, we’re going to produce a dedicated Open Source Champions episode, pulling in audio quotes from our champions, so it’ll be again, your voice and your belief in open source on the mic.
And the big question everyone always asks is, what does this cost you? I’m not going to make you go to the site to discover it. So for a brand, it’s €1,000 a year, and for individuals, €500. Those can be paid in euros or USD.
So there you have it. What I feel is one of our biggest features that came out of version 5.0 yesterday, and a way for you to support Open Channels FM and the open source ecosystem.
Now back to this being episode 800. Of course, I want to thank all of our listeners, you, and those over the past 8 years for tuning into our conversations as we have grown and yes, pivoted over those years. And for those of you that are new listeners, welcome to our community. Also, there have been numerous sponsors over the years, way too many to name, who have gotten us to this point. And of course, I would like to mention our current sponsors, Automattic, InMotion Hosting, and Omnisend for believing in our mission and continuing to support us.
With that said, a simple thank you, and let’s keep on talking.
