I'm working for a "corporate" client that wants to start an open-source project, but lacks experience with open-source projects and isn't sure how they operate. To get a better idea of how the world of OSS works, they would like to "get their feet wet" by contributing to an existing project, and eventually starting their own. They have asked me to provide some "knowledge" and experience on how they can get started, since they know I run the TCLUG. Since I know some of you have contributed to projects more than I have, I am asking you. Does anyone have past experiences with OSS projects that you could share? Lessons learned?

Thanks.

-- Clay