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Overlap with Other Projects
When you've found potential overlap (if you look well you will always find some), you need to evaluate whether it's better to write something new, fork, or join the existing project. Ask the following questions:
Will the new project be duplicating work done by another project?
Will the new project be competing for developers with an existing project?
Can the goals of the new project be accomplished by adding functionality to an existing project?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” try to contact the developer of the existing project(s) in question and see if he or she might be willing to collaborate with you.