Much of the feedback received by many Free Software projects is negative. Many developers feel discouraged and undervalued. Positive feedback and appreciation for their hard work is rare, and highly prized.

Emailing Free Software developers is normally easy. Their email address is often advertised in documentation, source code and mailing lists. On rare occasions they might advertise a phone number or postal address instead. Use whichever contact details are easiest to find.

Some projects will mention in the documentation that the developer or project would appreciate a particular gift. Often this gift will be cheap, for example, a postcard or CD. Consider buying it for them. If they do not name gifts, ask them what they would like.

Some developers of Free Software, particularly popular projects, receive an immense amount of mail requesting help. Many user groups see the same questions over and over again. In order to save them time and frustration, and in order to give them more time to work on their project or to support other users, consult relevant HOWTOs, Frequently Asked Questions, mailing list archives and manuals as appropriate before asking for help.

Take an active role in the user groups of your favourite project and actively make sure you leave a good impression on potential users and developers, both of your project and of other Free Software projects. Be as helpful as you can when they have difficulties. Be honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your project. Constructively criticise your project, and other projects.

Use word of mouth to publicise your project. Research other competing projects and draw sensible, fair comparisons. Highlight any advantages you have. Make one of those advantages that you have a wonderful community of developers and users around your project.