# We need help!

## The current status

Vis.js is looking for people who can help maintain and improve the library. We've put a lot of effort in building these visualizations, fixing bugs, and supporting users as much as we can. For some time now, we’ve been lacking the manpower to maintain the library the way we have in recent years. [@josdejong](//github.com/josdejong) has left the company for a new opportunity, and [@AlexDM0](//github.com/AlexDM0) has moved internally to a daughter company, with severe impact on his time and availability for Vis.js. At the moment [@ludost](//github.com/ludost) is the official maintainer from Almende, but does not have much time to help out.

Although Almende is looking to replace the expertise required for Vis.js, we don't expect to be able to do comprehensive project management any time soon. At the same time we’d like to spare Vis.js from becoming abandonware, especially given the relative healthy user base. For the longer term future we would be happy if vis.js could stand on its own feet, community supported.

**If you want to support the project please just start by [helping out](./how_to_help.md).**

If you have shown some commitment to the project you can ask [@ludost](//github.com/ludost) to become a member of the community support team. This team has write permissions to the repository and is helping maintaining it. Currently this team consists of:

* [@ludost](//github.com/ludost) (almende maintainer)
* [@mojoaxel](//github.com/mojoaxel)
* [@yotamberk](//github.com/yotamberk)
* [@Tooa](//github.com/Tooa)
* [@eymiha](//github.com/eymiha)
* [@bradh](//github.com/bradh)
* [@wimrijnders](//github.com/wimrijnders)
* [@macleodbroad-wf](//github.com/macleodbroad-wf)

## Financial help

Cutting new releases is [time consuming manual process](https://github.com/almende/vis/issues/2546) that requires codebase knowledge and experience. Pre-release code review and compatibility testing becomes harder with time as more features are added. Backing the project financially allows members to [allocate time for releases](https://github.com/almende/vis/issues/4197) in the absense of company support. [[Become a backer](https://opencollective.com/vis)]

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Thank you to all our supporters! 🙏