Advocate MySQL
There are many ways in how you can contribute to the MySQL project - and you don't need to be a developer to do it! Instead of Contributing Code, you could get involved in any of the following activities.
[edit] Write a Blog
Do you love using MySQL? Do you like to write and connect with other community members? Then, consider writing a blog with various articles and news about what you are doing with MySQL. Blogs are superbly easy to set up and there are a ton of free and paid services (Blogger.com, blogspot.com, typepad, livejournal, etc) that allow you to quickly set up a new blog and maintain it with little effort.
If you do decide to set up a blog, make sure you get it aggregated into PlanetMySQL so that others can find your blog and read your thoughts by submitting the URL via the Submit a New Feed Form.
[edit] Improve the MySQL Forge Wiki
Yeah, this wiki. Got a spare half hour? Find a page with a topic you have a lot of experience in and add some quality content. Are you experienced? Do you know links to good resources? Then consider beefing up the Getting Started section and articles with your knowledge.
[edit] Answer Questions
Got skills? Then help out the beginners among us. Depending on your medium of choice, consider joining and contributing to any of the available resources described on the Getting Help page.
[edit] Destroy the FUD
Ever seen that television show on the Discovery Channel called Mythbusters? It's two guys and their team of movie special effects wizards that debunk (and occasionally prove) common myths or urban legends using scientific methodology.
MySQL needs the same kind of folks debunking the variety of myths that still exist about MySQL on the Internet. You will see folks claim that MySQL doesn't support relational integrity, or transactions, or stored procedures, or claim that MySQL is a toy database, etc. We all know this isn't true. If you see this stuff, respond to it with fair, balanced, and firm information about MySQL. Don't let the FUD take over.
[edit] Speak about MySQL on Conferences and Events
There are countless events and gatherings of Open Source Developers and Enthusiasts all around the world. Share your knowledge and expertise about MySQL by submitting talk proposals and attend these conferences as a speaker! Giving presentations about Best Practices with MySQL or explaining new features is always welcome.
[edit] Write a Letter to a Developer
OK, so this kind of hearkens back to the USO days of WWII... Let's say you really, really appreciate the work of a specific MySQL developer. Maybe they fixed a bug in record time, or they implemented a feature that you really wanted. Send them a letter! Just email the developer at firstname.lastname AT sun DOT com. You can always find out who implemented a specific feature or fixed a bug by check the commits mailing list or emailing the Internals Mailing List.
[edit] Recommend the MySQL Newsletter to Your Colleagues
You may be a passionate user of MySQL, but how about your boss, or her boss? Help us promote the business benefits of MySQL in the corporate world. Send your boss to a webinar or to download a business white paper. The more successful MySQL is commercially, the more we can contribute back to open source.
[edit] Write About MySQL on Wikipedia
And not just Wikipedia. Any site that other technologists and business folks use to determine whether and what FOSS software can be used on projects and in the enterprise is a good start. Evangelize.
[edit] Link to MySQL from Site
Simple and effective. Do you have a website? A blog? Just add a logo and link to the MySQL web site to spread the word.
[edit] Create Video and Podcasts
Be funny. Be smart. Be yourself. Talk about your MySQL contributions, interesting forum posts, interview community members, FOSS advocates and business people.
[edit] Join or start a local MySQL User Group
Chances are high that you are not the only MySQL user in your area. Join an already existing one or set up a local MySQL User Group yourself to share your knowledge and expertise!
[edit] Add to this List
Think of a creative way to contribute? Add it here.