Hey all,
a last call to come up with ideas for Google Summer of Code 2026 [1].
So far it does NOT look like that we will apply unless someone wants to
mentor along the XSF memberbot, though this comes not from anyone
involved in the development to my impression.
Through a discussion in the GSoC chat today [2], I would like to take
the chance and draw the expectations on the needed efforts before we
apply, also from the projects sides.
First of all, I am well aware that the intensive use of AI has lead to a
huge amount of abuse, not just to the applications for GSoC. Still,
abusive behavior in this context is not a new thing. This program comes
with prestige and some people are really trying to get money out of it
for no work. That's a pity - but it is not a new situation. It has
happened before and we had to deal with this.
This is also a thing when it comes to the quality of work and the effort
mentors need to take. That's not new and I respect if projects don't
join the program.
However, the actual point I intend to make: Waiting for the XSF to apply
and magically getting a good GSoC contributor worked long ago (maybe).
And it maybe can work today. Though this is not the only way how we
should passively wait for the magic to happen.
The XSF actually also offers this is to enable YOUR project communities
members to step up and support promising candidates. If your project and
community never or bare engages in driving this, you will only by luck
find good contributors.
So, the actual call is to consider promoting such collaborations and
perspectives in general and not only in the context of Google Summer of
Code. Engaging like this is an opportunity to find people motivated and
having honest intentions within XMPP and for your project. The XSF
Communication Team is happy to help here by the way and we possibly got
the resources and range that can help you. In the past we always made
flyers that one can drop at hack spaces or universities or where you
believe it suits.
Happy to see more of this community engagements in the future.
Cheers,
Eddie
[1] https://wiki.xmpp.org/web/Google_Summer_of_Code_2026
[2] https://logs.xmpp.org/gsoc/2026-01-07
Promotion links:
-
https://mov.im/community/news.xmpp.org/News/304fa3e5-0c44-4e9d-962d-df705dc02193
- https://fosstodon.org/@xmpp/115854531862996142
- https://bsky.app/profile/xmpp-official.bsky.social/post/3mbtrxn7kqr2l
On 30/12/2025 00:16, E.M. wrote:
Dear all,
regarding the Google Summer of Code I would like to send a kind reminder.
You can start reading here: https://wiki.xmpp.org/web/
Google_Summer_of_Code_2026
If you and your project are interested, please list good ideas.
As I know that the interest in the program has very much declined over
the recent years, I still would like to promote this a opportunity.
Besides the 350 and 175 hours, Google offers to also have just a 90
hours length. This might lower barriers and let reconsider to introduce
people working with XMPP rather than expecting them to implement heavy
lifting such as MUC or A/V. The 90 hours could also be taken to do this
as a more academic implementation and working with rather simple topics
but increase interest in the technology.
Another thing to reconsider is finding people through talks with your
community but also in your local sphere such as university and contacts
you have and that might be suitable.
- https://mov.im/community/news.xmpp.org/News/e65a1483-2449-4eb7-
b1fd-09f3641cfa90
- https://fosstodon.org/@xmpp/115805273794678126
- https://bsky.app/profile/xmpp-official.bsky.social/post/3mb5vxmszad2b
Best regards,
Eddie
On 05/12/2025 19:47, E.M. wrote:
Dear XMPP Community,
Google has announced their stipend program for 2026.
https://opensource.googleblog.com/2025/12/shape-future-with-google-
summer-of-code.html
In this regard, the XSF is considering to apply as umbrella
organisation again. To do so, we would expect the community and its
projects to come up with good and interesting ideas.
Hence, if you are interested to participate and until we come with
more details, please start thinking about your potential participation
and also communicating in your community to find also potential
candidates that contribute.
A good start is to read Google's resources: https://
developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/resources/
You can also join our GSoC XMPP chat: https://xmpp.org/chat?gsoc
Kind regards,
Eddie
GSoC Org Administrator
