Why do newcomers abandon open source software projects?

Abstract

Open source software projects, are based on volunteers collaboration and require a continuous influx of newcomers for their continuity. Newcomers face difficulties and obstacles when starting their contributions, resulting in a low retention rate. This paper presents an analysis of the first interactions of newcomers on a project, checking if the dropout may have been influenced by lack of answer, answers politeness and helpfulness, and the answer author. We have collected five years data from the developers' mailing list communication and issue manager (Jira) discussions of the Hadoop Common project. We observed developers' communication, identifying newcomers and classifying questions and answers content. In the analyzed period, less than 20% of newcomers became long-term contributors. There are evidences that the newcomers decision to abandon the project was influenced by the authors of the answers and by the type of answer received. However, the lack of answer was not evidenced as a factor that influences newcomers' decision to remain or abandon the project.