Ikey Doherty full-time on Linux Mint
I’m happy to announce that Ikey Doherty is joining the paid-staff and will be working full time on Linux Mint, starting from today.
Ikey started getting involved with the project as an IRC operator. He later joined the development team and participated in many sub-projects, bringing improvements to some of the tools developed for Linux Mint, fixing bugs and designing new features for Linux Mint 10. He played a major role in the design and the implementation of the Backup Manager and the Debian Live Installer and his full presence within Linux Mint will have a significant impact on its development.
He also designed the Live Debian base used by LMDE and he’s experienced in maintaining distributions. A discussion is ongoing within the team at the moment, to decide which editions will be maintained by Ikey in the future.
It makes a big difference when a major contributor switches from giving his spare time to working full time with us. The support we’re getting from the community (in donations, sponsorships but also in traffic, activity and what generates advertising income) made it possible for me to quit my job and to fully focus on Linux Mint. Today, I’m joined by Ikey and there’s now two of us to tackle every aspect of the distribution. Whether it’s in the daily tasks (bug triaging, communication, moderation, maintenance) or in improving the distribution (development, design, packaging), Ikey has well-rounded skills, learns fast and shares that passion for Linux, development and technology which makes work fun every day.
We’re looking at each others and we already know this is going to change Linux Mint. You’ve been used to see innovation and development every 6 months, but also delays in releasing editions, lack of responsiveness in bug triaging and in tackling infrastructure and server issues. We can now take on bigger projects, aim higher when it comes to innovation for the next release, and guarantee quick releases not just for the Gnome editions, but extended to other desktops as well. We can do this while maintaining everything else as well, and this thanks to the fact that our income now allows us to have not only myself, but also Ikey on the job.
I’d like to thank all the people who support and use Linux Mint as they contribute whether directly or indirectly in creating the income which makes this possible. Good luck to Ikey on his first day and his future with Linux Mint. There’s nothing else I’d rather do than work for Linux Mint, it’s a real privilege to be doing it, and it’s a great feeling to welcome somebody else in this fantastic project.
Thanks everybody!
February 7th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Just want to say a huge thank you Clem, very proud and honoured
to be working full time on Linux Mint, and you’re right, things
will change massively for the better now
I’d also like to thank the community for making this possible,
you’re all great people and you’re supporting a great project,
there’s no greater feeling than sharing a passion for something
and working together on it
- Ikey Doherty
February 7th, 2011 at 9:51 am
Excellent news!
Congratulations Ikey and all the best for the future
February 7th, 2011 at 9:54 am
Congratulations to both you, Clem, and to Ikey. This is an amazing success story – the fact that two people are now being paid to develop Mint – and yet it remains free of charge to users. If anyone needs any convincing that Mint can challenge Microsoft in a significant way (even though M/S clearly will hold dominance for many years to come) this is it. The manufacturers of hardware must start to realise that Linux is a serious business, not just a geeky alternative to Windows. This is just brilliant – here’s to the third full-timer!
February 7th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Congratulations Ikey!
Mint continues to be a pleasure to work with. The forums, this IRC, and of course the distro.
What a difference hard work can make.
February 7th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Congrats Ikey!
God’s benison go with you,…
–William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 2 Scene 4.
February 7th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Awesome news! Linux Mint just keeps getting better. Thanks Clem, and congrats Ikey!
February 7th, 2011 at 10:42 am
Congratulations ikey, i wish you luck with your new job
your a good guy to have on mint, that for sure!
gizmodo/kazen(44)
February 7th, 2011 at 10:51 am
Congrats Ikey!
February 7th, 2011 at 11:09 am
wooohooooo Great news.
The more contributors to Mint the Better! We look foreward to seeing your work being focused into Linux Mint. GoodLuck!
kaddy
February 7th, 2011 at 11:55 am
Very cool, this news is great!
February 7th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Congratulations to Clem and Ikey. Things are looking up for Linux Mint.
And many thanks for giving us Linux Mint at no cost to us.
Wishing you more success in the days to come.
npap
February 7th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Congrats Ikey, the news made me very happy!
It will be interesting to see what happens from now on….
February 7th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Congratulations Ikey !
February 7th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Linux mint at 200% !!!
February 7th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Congratulations Ikey from linuxmintusers.be
February 7th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I’m sure that this will help LMDE growth!(Ubuntu as base for the next linux mint editions is becoming a real problem, knowing its drastical changing..)
February 7th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I am glad that Ikey will be working full time on Linux Mint. Congratulations Ikey, you will do well!
February 7th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Congrats Ikey and to Linux Mint!!!
February 7th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
congrats Ikey for the Debian initiatives…Best wishes
February 7th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
On behave of the dutch mint community i want to congratulate Ikey whit his new job in the Mint team.
Clem you have a great Dev in house, Mint can onley get bether.
February 7th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Congrats Ikey! Now can you guys get Dolphin (the emulator) to run in LMDE edition?
February 7th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Congrats Ikey and congrats to all of us, too! After all, our favourite distro is getting even better now!
February 7th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Congratulations Ikey. Now LMDE will really rock.
February 7th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Congrats Ikey, you deserve it for your contributions to Mint, and well done Clem for the continued success and expansion of the team.
February 7th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Congratulations, Ikey!!
February 7th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Congrats to Ikey and to Linux Mint
February 7th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Congratulations Ikey, i hope you kick ass!
February 7th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
w00t
February 7th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
On behalf of the Linuxmintusers.be Team.
Congrats Ikey and and we wish you every success and all the best in the future
February 7th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Congrats Ikey, look forward to seeing your work manifested in the distro alongside Clems! Exciting times!
February 7th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Congratulations you genius brother of mine! I always knew you were something special ! I am so proud of you for making use of your brilliance
Brother, you can do anything you put your mind to in this world. Just know that I am your sister and I will always be here for you! Even if your IQ surpasses mine 
I won’t get too jelous! I really do hope this is the start of a happy time for you Ikey 
You truly deserve it
I Love You
February 7th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
What an excellent piece of news!
Clem, you did the right thing. I’m glad Ikey could jump aboard and I hope you guys will be able to take this project considerably further than we (always) expect. 
Congratulations!
February 7th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Thanks guys, great welcome I always get from you guys
Very happy to be working with the project fulltime now
Very kind words from you guys too, kinda feel shy now ^^
February 7th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Fantastic news. I go away for the weekend and return to find out that my favourite distro has landed the Gaelic legend that is Ikey Docherty. Clem I’m convinced that this is a masterstroke and your faith will be repaid tenfold as will that of Mint.
February 7th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Well done Ikey btw
February 7th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Excellent. And now I know who to thank as well as Clem for LMDE. Thank you very much, Ikey. This has made installing and maintaining Debian on several boxes effortless.
February 7th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
great, great news!! Congrats Ikey and Clem
February 7th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Great news times (3)!
February 7th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Awesome news on the full-time status! Though, increased income can from a Mint Store.
February 7th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Congratulations ikey!
February 7th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
This is fantastic news! Congrats Ikey!
February 7th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
YAY! Gratz Ikea guy!
Seriously, congratulations Ikey.
February 7th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
If Linux Mint was awesome until today… from now it will be double awesome.
February 7th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Well Deserved. Congrats Ikey.
February 7th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
again, i see very bright future in linuxmint! thanks and congrats Ikey!
February 8th, 2011 at 2:46 am
Good things come to those that deserve it WTG Ikey and best of luck with your future. This means that Mint can only get better (and I thought it was great to start with)
February 8th, 2011 at 2:49 am
To add to what I already said Mint is very lucky to have not only Clem but you as well 2 great minds working on this distro wow!!!
February 8th, 2011 at 5:39 am
I’m glad to add my sincere appreciation in the fulltime employment of Ikey. Congratulations!
February 8th, 2011 at 5:41 am
Congrats Ikey and Clem! long live LM
February 8th, 2011 at 5:46 am
Great news! You guys rock!
February 8th, 2011 at 6:04 am
Congratulations to both of you, this will moment will be remembered as the turning-point of Linux Mint, IMHO the only real OS for any and all situations.
As far as I’m concerned Linux Mint is the only distribution able to squash Bug #1.
February 8th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Nice one Ikey m8.
Brucey
February 8th, 2011 at 8:23 am
Congratulations Ikey! When things like this happen to Linux Mint it marks another milestone of accomplishment on our road to maintaining admirable success within the Linux community.
I always feel pride in being a member of this community, especially when I read or hear mention of Linux Mint. The word is definitely getting around. And while it used to be that I asked people to give Linux Mint a try; now people ask me where can I get it, how long will it before the next release, and what about this LMDE?
Keep up the great work, and keep using Linux Mint!
February 8th, 2011 at 9:00 am
Thanks everyone
I’m also proud to be a member of this
community, especially when I can give something back to them
@Marie Doherty: Hi sis! Thanks, love you too x
February 8th, 2011 at 9:11 am
I pray to Lord that Linux Mint touches new heights and mile-stones in future and become an unbeatable Linux OS with the combined efforts of Clem and Ikey and his dedicated team. May many more join this project and make it the superb. Thanks a lot to all Linux Mint users and my best wishes to them.
February 8th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Nice One.
Really Happy for you Ikey.
Congratulations to all the ‘full-time’ staff,
please feel free to keep up the GOOD WORK !!
AfterEight
February 8th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Congratulations Ikey. I know you do what you do because you love it. Now you can do it for a living. What more can you ask for? Ahh, the luck of the Irish.
February 8th, 2011 at 11:52 am
This is excellent news! Congrats, Ikey.
On a semi-related note, I’d love to see the independent release of the script/program that turns a Debian install into a live/installable CD, outside of Mint. I do love Mint but I’d like to see what others can do as well.
February 8th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Great news. Linux Mint is moving in the right direction.
February 8th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Thats good news.
GZ Ikey and thx for the help on bugs
February 8th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Ikey, bravo! Be yourself in the world of Linux Mint!
February 8th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Can you work on getting some more drivers for Linux Mint? I still find that to be the key weakness in many Linux operating systems, especially with my Linksys WUSB54GSC. Other than that, LM’s just about perfect as it is.
Thanks!
February 8th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Congratulations Ikey!
This is great for you and i know this will be great for the mint community as well…
Linux Mint has sure come a long way…from an ubuntu spin-off with all the goodies ubuntu didn’t have (lol) and now it’s own (and rolling) distro based directly on debian (which i am using and loving)…
Not to mention a great forum and community! Linux Mint is really coming up in the Linux world…
February 8th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Congratulations, Ikey! Could not be a better move, at a better time! This is very, very good news which will have a wide impact. Brilliant.
February 8th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Congratulations!! I am excited and anticipating more support and features in LMDE!!!
February 9th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Congratulations Ikey!
Hope, the all things around will go better and better now, right ? 
Elisa
February 9th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Excellent!
Slightly off topic:
Does anyone have any white papers on how to move government departments off cots and into open source for :
Office, Desktop, Server, Email Servers with Exchange Like capacitys, and support of blackberrry.
I look at the expense of just migrating to Office 2010 for one small 7000 user department, and how every 5-7 years this has to be redone. It is insane! We could develop our own word processor for that price, and feed alot of people, and lower taxes, and cut back the debt.
Any help would be great.
February 9th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Congrats Ikey, this is fantastic news and also proud to be a LM member
– keep up the fantatastic work.
February 9th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Congratulations ikey! You have been a very helpful member of the team, and I can’t wait to see what this does for the project.
February 10th, 2011 at 1:46 am
Gratz ikey
glad to see its official, u deserve it bro. I can wait to see how fast you guys can start pumping out some really innovative releases. Cheers!
February 10th, 2011 at 9:42 am
What a milestone! You’ve come a long way baby! I’m looking forward to the onslaught of Minty goodness that’s on the road ahead. @Clem: Have you issued Ikey his lightsaber yet?
February 10th, 2011 at 11:18 am
complimentation on achievement.
February 10th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Congrats Ikey! Good Luck.
My LMDE’s installs are stable like a rock.
Debian/Testing sources.list always.
Testing! Testing! Testing!
One thing it’s worth is Liquorix Kernel. dmz 2.6.37
To have 2 Kernel isn’t a bad idea.
IMO LMDE – Linux Mint Debian should have its own
look and feel. Greeny it please…next snapshot.
I was disappointed with Mint KDE 10 by a number of reasons.
An important among the reasons was the same look and feel
imported from Gnome Main and placed in KDE. The artwork is
beautiful, wonderful but Boo and Clem could make it a bit
light bluesy. It is Linux Mint KDE.
I Know you are working hard to improve LMDE Edition
and i have followed, now and then, the news on the forums.
Very welcome will be that videocard Animator tool
you are working on for users to install Nvidia/ATI drivers.
So, i wish you the best. Thanks.
Roberto
February 10th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
A year ago I discovered Linux in the form of Helena LM8, Today My #1 is LMDE 64, #2 LMDE 32 first day spin, # 3 LM9 which I need to support the family and friends I have badgered into Installing, #4 LM10, just to stay current on the ubuntu side. And at the moment, I am using Mint Backup and Restore, and The application B.Up & Restore to upgrade from the First day LMDE spin to 201101, So Ikey you and your efforts play a big roll in my pleasure time, Glad to hearyou will be at it full Time ! Thanks Clem, and all the helpful people on IRC #linuxmint-help and # linuxmint-debian
All the best
Darrel
February 11th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Congrats Clem and Ikey! Mint rocks!
February 12th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Anyone can see how important Ikey is for Linux Mint by taking some time to look at the LinuxMint Forums (specially in Debian edition forum). This is good news for all of us for sure. Congrats Ikey!
February 13th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Congrats Ikey and Clem. It is good news to see that Linux Mint is doing so well, and that the team is expanding.
February 13th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Congrats Ikey and Clem… Happy to see you working for Linux Mint. It should have been your passion . Best of luck guys!!!
February 13th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Good news! Can we expect a new release of LMDE any time soon? (An installation problem has kept me using LMG V. 9).
February 14th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Thanks. That’s all I need to know. It will take whatever it needs to take. The important thing is a new version (that I intend to install) is in the works.
February 14th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Yes,congratulations, Ikey, what a blessing. I have been messing with Linux distros since about 1995 never being happy with one until Mint Gloria, now I am in a trance over Mint Debian 32 and 64. Thank you Mint Team may blessings continue to follow and overtake you all, peace.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:36 am
Congratulations….wish you and the project Good luck…WE plan to extend our support to Mint Linux by promoting it free on our web in near future.www.tech2easy.com
February 17th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Have been using Mint since 4 and back then I already knew this distro will have a great future. Reading this just confirms my hunch.
Grats for the job. Im sure you´ll do a good one.
February 20th, 2011 at 11:41 am
Congratulations to both of you, Clem and Ikey. Linux Mint is a growing project and hopefully new members will be added to the payroll. This another step to success.
Linux Mint really rocks!!!