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I don’t quite understand why you keep coming back to luxury apartments and private jets.

If children and family were viewed as too much of a distraction, I’m pretty sure the CTO (in this scenario) would simply choose a developer who lacks those distractions.

Let’s say the engineers chosen do have family. Why wouldn’t the company just comp a room in a local hotel?

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I'm so confused. I thought we were talking about a single volunteer open source developer responsible for a vital tool, and it was too onerous to give them additional staff.

If you want to help someone, give them cash. A blank check. Not "here's what I think would be helpful and now you should arrange to use it". Not a week at a penthouse, not a butler, not a private jet. Enough cash to pay for those things if they want them.

It isn't quite simple; when negotiating it is better to give cash. When donating it is better to give goods. Particularly if there is more than one person involved on the receiving side.

In this instance either would be reasonable.

I am not aware of a single circumstance in which donating goods is better than cash. What makes you think that?

Just ask them. "What do you need to get this done and pushed out?" Then give them what they ask for. Listen instead of talking.

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