As the main developer of Fedilab, I've never used Open Collective funds for personal needs like buying a phone or paying repairs (yes, plugging/unplugging daily has consequences). I feel uncomfortable about how to use those funds. In April I'll need to pay for server hosting. I also need a more powerful computer. Are those kinds of expenses ok for you? Like repairing my phone due to a worn-out USB connector?
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@apps
Developers need food and working hardware to develop.
As I'm not donating I can only hope that others agree.
As for USB try magnetic connectors. Just check them with an USB cable tester, as I've just learned that my 24-pin connector is USB 2.0 only.
It really depends on what you wrote on the Open Collective requests.
My plans if the LibreFaso project was ever successful enough to justify a full-time job¹ was to have a separate tip jar for the project-related expenses and for my own salary, so that people could choose what they want to fund.
Basically, as long as you're entirely transparent, it should be fine.
¹it's not going in that direction, alas
@apps
I'm fine with everything. Use them for things you need.
To maybe ease your mind a bit: A computer also supports app development. And a phone is needed for testing the app. Emulators can only bring you so far. So that would be something directly benefiting app development.
@apps idk, estimate how much labor you've spent on this project, multiply by a living wage, and that's approximately the amount of money that I think you should spend however you need or even want to 🤷 the expenses of a tech project include the labor of the workers, which includes the living requirements of the workers
Plus, in this case, they seem like things that also affect your ability to work on this project regardless of your ability to live, which imo is no longer a personal expense
@apps use the money!
@apps
As a dev, ceo and donator at different times, I suggest looking at it like this:
If you did not do this job youre getting paid for (open collective), would you have the amount of costs you have now (you wouldnt) and if you do, they're personal (rent, food, vacation) and if not, they're work related (mobile dev = mobile phone business expense, same for laptop that wears out etc.)
If you want to feel extra ethical, buy a dedicated work phone that is separate which you use the money for.
@apps These are all absolutely fine. Even If you'd make it a really good computer you "part-time" use for gaming. You need to be able to work comfortably without every little computation or rendering taking ages. If you'd tell us that actually you also need a new Playstation bcs you wanna port it, I'd say that mayyyy stretch it a bit.
@apps
Perfecly ok. I'd compare to what a decent employer would supply so you can do the job.
And thank you so much for the best Mastodon (my main use case) client ever!
Look, the fact that you've even asked the question demonstrates you have a conscience and know right from wrong.
If the project(s) were abandoned, but donations were still being accepted, that would be unconscionable.
However, server fees, equipment repair or replacement, or anything needed to support the project would be fine.
@TimePencil
Thank you, I appreciate that. I was genuinely unsure whether repairing my phone felt right, even though it's directly caused by development and testing. Your words help.
You're welcome!
A lawyer mate of mine once told me, "*Anybody* can steal from an employer, if they are a trusted employee."
Now, donors are not your employer, but they are your supporters, and they trust you. As you know "right from wrong" you'll also know if you've abused that trust.
Be open and honest, apply good judgement, and you'll be fine!
You have put a lot of effort into developing these apps, so you deserve the money people donated you. Now if the project have other major contributers then you can ask them about the matter as well, but I don't think they'll disagree much. Getting your phone repaired is important, and depending on the condition of your current laptop/PC getting a new one might also be necessary to continue your work - these are not useless spendings IMO.
@apps
Can we just agree that boost = approve?
@apps Those expenses support you which helps the app development. Those are PERFECTLY acceptable!
@apps I don't know your project, but those would be acceptable to me.
I help run a voluntary group and have similar worries about dipping my hands in the money pot for real expenses, but I think that you're fine!
@apps Totally makes sense; Can't dev a phone app without a phone!
