Big vs Small Open Source Project, which is more useful to learn from?

Question

I'm looking to help out in some open source projects, to learn from better developers, as well as add to my resume in areas where I'm lacking.

I had a look through codePlex and I can see some quite popular projects, were I'd probably get to do very little, but look useful to the community, and some small projects which I think I could contribute a lot, but add little value to the community and probably arn't worth mentioning on a resume. (e.g. another blog engine).

Has anyone worked on both types of project and is able to offer some advice?

Answer 1

Work on an application that you use yourself on a regular basis and that you are passionate about, popular or not.

An application where you would get upset if a piece of functionality was broken, where you can help drive requirements by the fact that you know the app and have insight into how it is used.

Eat your own dog food.