2016-02-16 8:50 GMT-02:00 Jiri Eischmann <eischmann@redhat.com>:
Hi,
it's indeed an ambitious plan

:)
 
I can't really evaluate the feasibility
of crowdsourcing because I'm not from Brazil

Here is an example of a successful crowdfunding in Brazil: https://www.catarse.me/pt/deadfishoficial

It's a pretty famous and (mostly) independent hardcore band (my favorite, btw) who tried to fund a new album last year.

They could mobilize 3.000+ people to raise (an one-time) USD 62,000.
I will try to engage 1,000-10,000 people to raise (monthly) USD 2,000-20,000.

So, yeah, it's hard. But I'm willing to try :)
 
but I suppose it will be
pretty challenging considering the economic difficulties the country is
experiencing nowadays.

South America in general is fucked up since 500 years ago. However, the amount I will be asking is R$ 2 (USD 0.50), which can buy only 1kg of banana. In another comparison, everyone with 1 Mbps+ home internet access in Brazil pays more than R$ 60 (USD 15) monthly; usually R$ 100 (USD 25). Severely capped (like 50MB per day) mobile internet connection (3G/4G) costs R$ 22 (USD 5.50+) per month.

But, again, surely will be hard. Especially being about Free Software.
Although it can be a bit easier if the international community help spread the word and, maybe, give half-of-a-dollar too.
 
Where the calculation fails IHMO is the salary of developers. From what
I heard from my Brazilian colleagues, there is no way to hire a full-
time developer for $440. To get at least a bit experienced software
developer, I think you need at least $2000 even in Brazil. Note that
the total cost is not only the net salary, but it also includes taxes,
social, health insurance and other employee-related expenses. In most
countries, the company's direct costs on an employee are at least twice
as much as what they receive in the end.

You are totally right. Employment cost are high, and an (employed) experienced developer can receive R$ 8,000+ (USD 2,000+).

But, as stated, the developers will be "hired" as self-employed professionals (freelancers).

And, hey, there is a buch of developers already working for free in Free Software in general. I think a bit of money can't hurt. And even if it is of low quantity, I think it can be really appreciated.

Also, as said, a fallback plan is use the same money to pay for a half-time job. This would still be a hell of a boost to Free Software, and would still scream independence and unity from the Free Software community, in my perception.

And I'm really grateful for the (good) feedback, Jiri.