This epic is meant to help track work being done to improve the [GitLab for Open Source program application experience](https://about.gitlab.com/solutions/open-source/program/) for both applicants and the processing team. ## Known issues These are some issues with the current application process. Please feel free to add to the list. * **Too technical / not inclusive.** Having a merge request step of the process means that not everyone will be able to do it. It seems like this was originally put in place to encourage people to become familiar with the MR process. However, I think it's an ok user experience to first sign up for the program and later get trained on how to do things like MRs. We want everyone to be able to apply -- even people unfamiliar with MRs. * **Too many steps.** People have to fill in an MR and also complete a form. If the MR has conflicts, they then have to fix the conflicts. Having an MR step also slows down the processing of applications since the processing team needs to reference both the form and the merge request. In addition, sometimes people start to try to talk to the processing team through MRs instead of through Zendesk, and conversations are scattered and can be accidentally dropped. * **No list of OSS projects.** Originally, the MR step helped us maintain a list of OSS projects that are using GitLab. Unfortunately, the process broke along the way and this list is no longer being used. Also, there's no syncing of organizations that renewed, and there is a lack of standardization with the information that is collected and displayed about orgs. * **Signature process creates legal burden for OSS projects.** Not all open source projects have a legal entity associated. Those that do, may have trouble getting paperwork signed in a timely manner. Individuals may have to assume the risk for an entire project.