Beyond Hacktoberfest: Building a True Open Source Journey

This article, part of a series on open source, discusses the challenges and misconceptions around contributing to open source projects, especially during events like Hacktoberfest. The author, Ayu Adiati, shares personal insights on how new contributors can move beyond simply grabbing issues and creating pull requests. She emphasizes that true open source involvement is about creating opportunities, respecting project ethics, and maintaining long-term engagement rather than racing to complete PRs for event rewards. The article provides advice for beginners on finding their unique path, understanding workflows, and contributing meaningfully to the tech community.