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I've heard of a few companies that have this prerequisite, but only a few. I think open source contributions can tip the scales if you're up against a bunch of great candidates, but I don't think the business world works like you make it sound. In fact, I know lots of companies would actually shy away from open source contributors.

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I know lots of companies would actually shy away from open source contributors.

That's great--a perfect way to filter out companies that I would never want to work for.

I know lots of companies would actually shy away from open source contributors.

Which companies? Why do you think they do?

I interviewed with one. A .NET web development studio, can't remember who specifically. They called the stuff I did "open-sourcy" and I could tell they looked down on it. I think it's the perception that cheap programmers use cheap tools, produce cheap code and are low quality.

I see a significant difference between the .Net and Java developer cultures. It would be hard for me to believe that a Java shop would behave according to your description.

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