Contribute to the Evolution of the COSS Standard

The Contriboss (COSS) Standard, embodied in our Brand Principles, is intended to be a living set of guidelines that evolves to meet the changing needs of the technology ecosystem while staying true to its core mission. We believe that the long-term success and relevance of COSS depend on community involvement in its stewardship and refinement.

Your expertise, experience, and perspective are valuable in ensuring that the COSS Standard remains effective, practical, and aligned with its goals of promoting neutrality, interoperability, and ethical practices.

Why Contribute to the Standard Itself?

• Shape the Future: Directly influence the principles that define what it means to be a COSS-branded project, impacting how future software tools are developed and recognized.
• Ensure Relevance: Help keep the COSS Standard up-to-date with emerging technologies, new challenges (e.g., in AI ethics or interoperability), and evolving best practices.
• Strengthen the Ecosystem: By contributing to a robust and well-considered standard, you help build a more trustworthy and effective foundation for the entire COSS community and beyond.
• Share Your Expertise: Offer your knowledge in areas like software licensing, open standards development, AI governance, community building, or specific technology domains to improve the COSS framework.

How the COSS Standard Evolves

The COSS Brand Principles and the overall “COSS Brand Usage Guidelines” are stewarded by The COSS Stewardship Body. This body is committed to a transparent and community-informed process for any significant evolution of the standard.

While the exact mechanisms will be further defined by The COSS Stewardship Body as it formalizes its operations, the process will likely involve:

• Community Feedback Channels: Utilizing the community discussion platforms (forums, mailing lists – see our “Join the Discussion” page) to gather suggestions, identify areas for improvement, and discuss proposed changes.
• Working Groups or Committees: For significant revisions or new principle considerations, The COSS Stewardship Body may establish focused working groups composed of community members and subject matter experts.
• Public Consultation: Proposed changes to the COSS Brand Principles or Guidelines would typically be shared publicly for a period of review and comment before being finalized.
• Decision-Making by The COSS Stewardship Body: The Stewardship Body will make final decisions on updates to the standard, taking into account community feedback, expert advice, and the core mission of COSS. The governance model of the Stewardship Body is designed to ensure these decisions are made neutrally and for the benefit of the entire ecosystem.

Ways to Contribute Your Ideas Now

Even as formal processes are being established, you can contribute by:

• Participating in Discussions: Join the COSS community channels (once live) and share your thoughts on the current principles. What works well? What could be clearer? Are there gaps?
• Sharing Use Cases and Challenges: If you encounter situations where the current COSS principles are difficult to apply or could be improved, share these use cases.
• Proposing Enhancements: Offer specific, well-reasoned suggestions for how the principles or guidelines could be improved.
• Research and Analysis: Contribute research or analysis on related topics (e.g., new forms of vendor lock-in, best practices for AI ethics in open source, effective governance for standards).

A Living Standard

The COSS Standard is not meant to be static. With your help, it can adapt and grow stronger, continuing to serve as a valuable guide for building a more open, fair, and innovative technological future.

Stay tuned to our community channels and this website for updates on how you can formally participate in the evolution of the COSS Standard.