I’ve looked at a few lists here and there, but it seems like there just aren’t many co-ops that recruit strangers online. Anyone have any experience working for a co-op as a dev? It seems like it would be an awesome way to structure a small web/app dev team. Part of me wants to try to start one myself, but it’s hard to imagine maintaining the motivation needed for a task like that when I can barely function as it is.

Anyway, what’s up with the lack of cooperatives? Sorry if this is the wrong comm, seemed like the best place

  • sovietknuckles [they/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    17·
    23 hours ago

    that recruit strangers online

    Don’t be a stranger, introduce yourself by contributing to an open source project run by a cooperative that you want to join. Start with something labeled good first issue on their GitHub issue tracker, but after that, try to pick something from their issue tracker that you think will grab their attention.

  • glans [it/its]@hexbear.netEnglish
    13·
    22 hours ago

    (Assuming you are interested in a worker co-op not a buyer’s co-op.)

    In many jurisdictions, a worker cooperative is a legal kind of entity like private company or marriage. You don’t just get together and declare yourselves a cooperative. You have to go through a certain legal process and constitute yourself in the prescribed ways. And of course they have more onerous reporting and disclosure requirements than a private company. You may be able to find the government’s list of worker cooperatives which are recognized in your area. Unless you live in Spain there probably aren’t tooo many so it might be worth clicking through such a list if you can find it.

    Also going to the websites for any non-dev coops and checking for the footer at the bottom of the site where they credit the web dev. These kind of orgs like to do business with others who are like them.

    Also also co-ops love to federate, surely there is some sort of super-org for them? Even if it isn’t tech-specific. There might be a directory. Some tech companies probably in the mix.

    • AtmosphericRiversCuomo [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
      4·
      16 hours ago

      Yea, I would recommend against doing this in the US. It’s uncommon, which makes it harder, more expensive, and legally challenging, etc. It also paints a target on your back if conditions deteriorate.

      Just form an LLC and make it a co-op via an operating agreement. The government doesn’t need to know why you pay people the amounts that you do or how you arrive at decisions. Keep it like a black box that looks like every other business from the outside.

      • glans [it/its]@hexbear.netEnglish
        1·
        8 hours ago

        What kind of target do you see getting painted by being in a coop? What scenario? What consequences?

        They are like the most ineffective form of rebellion ever. I didn’t get into arguing with OP about the concept. But they are pretty famous for de-radicalizing themselves over the years and becoming as nasty as any other business. The legal structure incentivizes it and few if any can resist.