I think this long predates github. Sure, it might be less of an issue if it's just a one off code drop - but there've been maintained open source projects LONG

I think this long predates github. Sure, it might be less of an issue if it's just a one off code drop - but there've been maintained open source projects LONG before github. To me this is much more about reaching a (sub-) project size where there's no realistic way to keep up with everything you feel you ought to. The guilt of not getting around to review somebody's patch (even though that's how you got started), the guilt of not fixing a bug in code you last touched / wrote, not keeping up with subsystems you created, is profound. I think this more likely an issue for people with personally traits that make them more likely to become maintainers. I've seen this in companies too - the difference is that in open source it's often the "relaxation" time that's taken over by the guilt/work. Edit: repair some autocorrect damage