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• Timely post (Score:1)

  by renodino (6856)

  Hmm, how timely.

  For several months now, I've been tempted to kite a grant proposal for Thread::Sociable [presicient.com], which (sadly) languishes while I focus on revenue generators. I've written up the proposal and everything.

  So why haven't I submitted it ?

  My sense is (please correct me if I'm wrong):

  1. If it isn't Perl6, its not likely to get much consideration.
  2. If its threads related, its even less likely to get attention.
  3. The advertised amounts ($500 to $3K) don't come close to covering the time/effort required t
  • Re:Timely post (Score:1)

    by btilly (5037) on 2008.02.22 3:48 (#61236) Journal

    Actually the Perl 6 comment is exactly backwards. Most of the grant managers have far more Perl 5 experience than Perl 6, and it would be easier for us to evaluate Perl 5 proposals. But we get more good Perl 6 proposals than Perl 5 proposals. Indeed two have just voluntarily stepped down because they felt uncomfortable deciding so many Perl 6 grants when they didn't know that much about what was happening Perl 6.
    
    Threads related depends on the pitch that is made. We're aware that there are people trying to use threads, and we're aware that Perl's threading implementation leaves a lot to be desired. Having read your module description, it is something that I, at least, could vote for. Particularly if it was backed up with evidence that it was doable and you're the right person to do it. (Good evidence could include testimonials from someone who knows threads, a description of your threading background, or a description of what the part you've already built does.)
    
    The dollar amount is a real concern. However $500-$3000 isn't set in stone. Somewhat larger dollar amounts can be approved if a good enough case is made for them. For instance it would help if your proposal broke down how you intended to spend the money. For instance $x towards the following equipment, etc. But whatever amount you select it is very important that your proposal says how much you want. We're not in a position to bargain about the figure, we just vote yes or no on what was requested. So if the project is only doable with $6000 then be up front about that. The worst that can happen is that you'll get a "no", and you're no worse off than before. (Actually you're better off because you'll have a detailed proposal drawn up to submit elsewhere, and you'll get feedback on how others reacted to it.)
    
    In general if this is something you would do regardless, it can't hurt to submit it to TPF. If you can come up with someone who will offer you support if you can come up with support from someone else, submit it to TPF. If you would do it if you got a little help (for instance to buy equipment), then by all means submit it. But if you're looking for a reasonable wage while you solve this problem, TPF won't be of much assistance.

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