Skip to content

Early Contributor Outreach Templates

This document provides templates for reaching out to potential contributors to the MAID project. Use these templates as starting points and personalize them for each individual or community you're contacting.

General Guidelines for Outreach

Do

  • Personalize each message - reference their specific work or interests
  • Be concise and respect their time
  • Highlight what makes MAID unique
  • Offer specific ways they can contribute
  • Include clear next steps
  • Follow up once if no response (after 1-2 weeks)

Don't

  • Send mass copy-paste messages
  • Be pushy or overly salesy
  • Promise things the project can't deliver
  • Spam or contact the same person repeatedly
  • Forget to thank them for their time

Template 1: MUD/Game Developer Communities

Subject: MAID - Modern MUD Engine Looking for Contributors

Hi [Name],

I came across your work on [their project/post/comment] and was impressed by [specific thing they did]. I think you might be interested in MAID, a modern MUD engine we're building.

What is MAID?

MAID (Multi AI Dungeon) is an open-source MUD engine that combines classic text-based gameplay with modern architecture and AI integration. It's written in Python 3.12+ with:

  • Entity Component System (ECS) architecture
  • Async/await throughout for high performance
  • Content pack system for modular game content
  • Built-in AI provider support (Anthropic, OpenAI, Ollama)
  • Hot reload for rapid development

Why Contribute?

  • Shape the future of text-based gaming
  • Modern Python codebase with full type hints
  • Welcoming community with responsive maintainers
  • Your contributions will directly impact game creators worldwide

How to Get Started

We have issues labeled "good first issue" perfect for newcomers: [link]

Or check out our documentation to explore the codebase: https://maid-mud.org/docs

I'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions. Even if contributing isn't right for you, feedback from experienced developers like yourself is invaluable.

Best regards, [Your Name] MAID Contributor

Template 2: Python Developer Communities

Subject: Open Source Python Project Seeking Contributors - MUD Game Engine

Hello [Name],

I noticed your contributions to [project/community] and thought you might enjoy working on MAID, an open-source MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) game engine.

Tech Stack Highlights:

  • Python 3.12+ with full type annotations
  • Async/await architecture using asyncio
  • MyPy strict mode for type safety
  • Entity Component System (ECS) pattern
  • Plugin architecture with hot reload
  • Comprehensive test suite with pytest

What Makes MAID Different:

Unlike older MUD engines, MAID is built from the ground up with modern software engineering practices. We use:

  • UV for fast, reliable dependency management
  • Ruff for linting and formatting
  • Conventional commits for clear history
  • Comprehensive CI/CD with GitHub Actions

Contribution Opportunities:

  • Core engine development (maid-engine package)
  • Standard library components (maid-stdlib)
  • Game content creation (maid-classic-rpg)
  • Documentation and tutorials
  • AI integration features

Getting Started:

git clone https://github.com/Qworg/MAID.git
cd MAID
uv sync --all-extras
uv run pytest packages/

Check out our contributing guide: https://maid-mud.org/docs/contributing/

Would love to have you on board!

[Your Name]

Template 3: AI/ML Developer Communities

Subject: AI-Integrated Game Engine - Looking for ML/AI Contributors

Hi [Name],

Your work on [specific AI project/post] caught my attention. I wanted to share MAID, an open-source project at the intersection of gaming and AI that might interest you.

MAID + AI:

MAID is a MUD (text-based multiplayer game) engine with first-class AI integration:

  • Multiple Provider Support: Anthropic, OpenAI, Ollama (local models)
  • AI-Powered NPCs: Dynamic dialogue and behavior generation
  • Content Generation: AI-assisted room, item, and character creation
  • Pluggable Architecture: Easy to add new AI providers

AI-Related Contribution Areas:

  • Improve NPC conversation systems
  • Add new AI provider integrations
  • Develop AI-assisted content creation tools
  • Create prompt engineering utilities
  • Build AI behavior systems for game entities

Current AI Features:

# Example: AI-powered NPC dialogue
response = await ai_provider.generate(
    prompt=dialogue_prompt,
    context=conversation_history,
    personality=npc.personality_traits,
)

Why Contribute:

  • Explore AI applications in interactive fiction
  • Shape how AI integrates with game systems
  • Collaborate with developers passionate about both AI and gaming
  • Build something players will actually interact with

Interested in learning more? Our AI integration docs: https://maid-mud.org/docs/guides/ai_configuration/

Let me know if you have questions!

[Your Name]

Template 4: Technical Writers and Documentation Contributors

Subject: Help Document an Open Source Game Engine

Hello [Name],

I saw your excellent [documentation/technical writing work] on [project/publication] and wanted to reach out about an opportunity.

About MAID:

MAID is a modern MUD (text-based game) engine written in Python. We're actively building out our documentation and could use help from skilled technical writers.

Documentation Opportunities:

  • Tutorials: Step-by-step guides for building game features
  • API Documentation: Documenting our public interfaces
  • Architecture Guides: Explaining system design decisions
  • Content Pack Guides: Helping plugin developers succeed
  • User Guides: For game administrators and players

What We Offer:

  • Your work reaches developers building text-based games worldwide
  • Collaborate with responsive maintainers who value documentation
  • Recognition in our AUTHORS.md and contributor spotlights
  • Experience documenting a modern Python codebase

Current Documentation:

We use MkDocs with Material theme. Docs are written in Markdown with code examples. You can see our current documentation at: https://maid-mud.org/docs

How to Contribute:

Documentation improvements are some of the most valuable contributions. Even fixing typos or clarifying confusing sections helps tremendously.

Start here: https://maid-mud.org/docs/contributing/

Would you be interested in helping? I'm happy to answer any questions.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 5: University/Student Outreach

Subject: Open Source Contribution Opportunity for Students

Hello [Professor/Student Name],

I'm reaching out about MAID, an open-source project that could be a great learning opportunity for [your students/you].

What is MAID?

MAID is a Multi-User Dungeon (MUD) game engine - essentially a text-based multiplayer game server. It's a real-world project using modern software practices:

  • Python 3.12+ with async/await
  • Entity Component System architecture
  • Plugin/content pack system
  • AI integration (optional)
  • Comprehensive test suite

Why MAID for Learning:

  • Manageable Scope: Students can understand the full system
  • Real Users: Changes impact actual game creators
  • Modern Practices: Type hints, testing, CI/CD, code review
  • Mentorship: Maintainers provide constructive feedback on PRs
  • Portfolio Building: Contributions are public and attributable

Potential Project Areas:

  • Implement new game mechanics (combat systems, crafting, etc.)
  • Build content packs with custom components
  • Improve AI integration features
  • Write documentation and tutorials
  • Performance optimization

Getting Started:

Our "good first issue" label marks beginner-friendly tasks: [link]

Contributing guide: https://maid-mud.org/docs/contributing/

Would you be interested in discussing how MAID could fit into [your curriculum/your projects]? I'm happy to set up a call or answer questions via email.

Best regards, [Your Name] MAID Project

Template 6: Discord/Community Direct Message

Subject: (DM - no subject)

Hey [Name]!

Saw your message about [topic] - really insightful. Quick question: have you heard of MAID? It's an open-source MUD engine (Python, modern architecture, AI integration).

Given your interest in [relevant topic], thought you might find it interesting. We're looking for contributors and have good first issues if you're curious: https://github.com/Qworg/MAID

No pressure either way - just thought I'd mention it! Happy to answer any questions.

Template 7: Follow-Up Message

Subject: Re: [Original Subject]

Hi [Name],

Just following up on my message from [date] about MAID. I know you're busy, so I wanted to give a quick update in case you're still interested:

[Include 1-2 recent project highlights, e.g.:] - We just released hot reload support for content packs - New tutorial series on building game mechanics

If contributing isn't a fit right now, no worries at all. But if you have questions or want to chat, I'm here.

Thanks for your time!

[Your Name]

Tracking Outreach

Use a simple spreadsheet or tool to track:

Contact Community/Source Date Sent Template Used Follow-Up Date Response Notes
Jane D. MUD Dev Forum 2026-01-15 Template 1 2026-01-29 Interested Assigned issue #45
Bob S. Python Discord 2026-01-16 Template 2 - No response -

Key Talking Points About MAID

Use these when customizing templates:

For Developers

  • Modern Python 3.12+ codebase
  • Full type hints with MyPy strict mode
  • Async/await architecture
  • Clean layered package structure
  • Comprehensive test coverage
  • Active, responsive maintainers

For Game Creators

  • Easy content pack creation
  • Hot reload for rapid iteration
  • AI integration for dynamic content
  • Familiar MUD concepts with modern implementation
  • Growing community and plugin ecosystem

For Open Source Enthusiasts

  • MIT licensed
  • Welcoming to new contributors
  • Clear contribution guidelines
  • Good first issues available
  • Recognition for all contributors
  • Transparent governance

Unique Value Propositions

  1. Modern + Classic: Combines beloved MUD gameplay with current tech
  2. AI-First: Built-in AI provider support from the start
  3. Developer Experience: Hot reload, scaffolding, comprehensive CLI
  4. Extensibility: Everything is a content pack - fully modular
  5. Community Focus: We prioritize contributor experience