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Frequently Asked Questions
6 Contributing to / Joining Opencores
6.1 How do I send to the mailing lists?
Start by reading the FAQ in full. In this way, you will not clutter the mailing lists with repetitive questions.
Next, subscribe to the 'cores' mailing list. This is the main mailing list for opencores. Listen in for a few weeks to get a feel for the conversation. Once you are comfortable, feel free to contribute the the discussion in an intelligent manner. Asking a FAQ is not considered intelligent. All mailing list messages must be in PLAIN TEXT (no html) WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS. If you want to include an attachment, put the file on a server and place a URL in your mail message.
If any of this does not make sense, do some more reading on the Internet until it does make sense. The Google search engine (http://www.google.com) is a good stating point for background reading. Type in the subject that you want to read about.

6.2 How do I contribute more than just sending mail?
An account on opencores will allow you to move beyond simply sending mail to mailing lists. There is no cost for an account. Just ask for one.
To request an account, fill in the form on the web (See GET ACCOUNT link at the top of each page).

There are lots of ways to contribute, without running your own project. This includes helping with an existing project, helping with the web site, testing existing cores, or whatever you find interesting. Documentation and testing are especially appreciated.

6.3 What is a project?
A project is basically a unit of work. Each project has a maintainer. The maintainer is a person who has volunteered to oversee the development of something. Typically each project corresponds to a single core.
Each project has its own web page. To see the page for a project, click the Projects link under the 'Browse' menu on the left side of page. You will be presented with a list of projects. Click on the name of a project to see its pages.

6.4 How do I help out on an existing project?
Send polite mail to the maintainer of that project, asking how you can help. The maintainer will be listed on the web page for that project.

6.5 How do I start my own project?
Start by getting an account on opencores (as described above).
Before requesting a new project, check if there are any other projects similar to the one you want to start. If there is, consider joining that project before starting a new one.
To start a new project, you will need to use the 'start a new project' form. You will find link to form on 'MY ACCOUNT' page.
Please do not set up a project simply to point to files outside the opencores server. In this case, consider adding an entry to the opencollector database (http://www.opencollector.org) instead.

6.6 I don't want to maintain a project any more. What do I do?
If you decide to stop working on a project, please send mail to administration@o.... The administrator can then mark the project as unmaintained.

6.7 I have written a core. Can I publish it on the opencores web site?
Yes. Start reading this section at the beginning.

6.8 I have an idea for a core, but need help to develop it.
Send mail to the cores list, describing the project and asking for help. Someone may be interested enough to help. The source for any work developed will have to be released to the rest of opencores under a free or open license. If you are not prepared to release your work, don't expect much support from the rest of opencores.
Developers working on someone else's project should protect themselves by claiming copyright on work they do and insisting that all files be published as they are written.