Robert Spier: Producing Open Source Software:

I've only read the table of contents and skimmed a few chapters, but Karl Fogel (of CVS and Subversion fame) has written a "must read" book.

Producing Open Source Software - How to Run a Successful Free Software Project (read online, Buy buy from Amazon, buy from O'Reilly) is an overview of most aspects of the open source world. He covers everything from Version Control Systems to Hired Guns to Releases and Version Numbering. Karl's been doing open source for years, and has some great anecdotes to share, and he does it in a friendly and explanatory manner.

Even if you've been doing open source for years, you'll get something out of the book, even if it's just reassurance that you're not the only one who thinks that way.

Karl has been one of the driving forces behind the Subversion project. I'm consistently impressed with how Subversion is run. Decisions are well thought out, things are planned, flamewars are rare, discussions are civil. You too can have a happy project.

(Via Planet Perl.)