drygh

What makes one OSS project's community better than the next? What are the things the biggest OSS projects do well, or not so well (think top 20 on GitHub).

I am working on a small start up, and I am nearing the point where I need to hire a freelance designer to add some finishing touches to the web application. This is my first production application, so I am quite nervous about just about everything.

How do I work with a freelancer though - when so much of my code contains sensitive information or information a designer doesn't need to see. On the other hand, I happen to be using Django to power the backend, and I don't believe there is a way to have him work locally without setting up a development server.

What do you guys do? Should I just make sure the contract clearly lays out he cannot use/share backend code in any ways? Do I need to change all my backend API keys and sensitive information after working with him? Or should I cross my fingers and hope my payment API account doesn't get hacked 6 months from now...

The idea seems extremely interesting. I found a TechCrunch article that introduces their service, and the responses there seemed quite positive.

I am interested because I have not yet had the opportunity to do any real pair programming. I am an undergrad studying CS, but my only programming jobs have been freelance or projects of my own. While I assume many of us here are self learners, it seems there could be times during product development when it would be nice to have an expert by your side.

Maybe I am wrong - I haven't thought of what I would use it for yet. If you have used it - what did you think? Would you suggest anything to someone using it for the first time?

[aforementioned TC article]

http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/04/airpair-connects-startups-with-expert-developers-to-get-help-with-code-via-online-sessions/