[comp.sys.mac] summary: investment returns

heberlei@iris.ucdavis.edu (Todd) (05/11/89)

This is a summary of the responses to my question about getting a
return on my investment (in a new computer system) by tring to market
(in some manner) my software.

summary of the summary: don't count on it!

* Share ware: Almost no one has received more than a token amount.
Even popular programs such as NetTrek have not earned much.  Too bad;
it seemed like such a neat idea when I first heard about it (honor
amongst hackers ;-)

* Free lance publishers: Apparently most are no good.  One place to
look is in "The 1989 Programmer's Market" (belived to be published by
Writer's Digest).

* Software companies: Beware!  Most feel they will rip your idea off
and implement it themselves.


--------- Some suggestions offered me: ---------

* Release a partial version (eg. you cannot save your data) of your
program for free, and say for some money (ie. $10 - $20) you will send 
them a complete version and a manual.

* Write articles for trade publications (MacTutor, APDA, ...).


Thanks to everyone,

Todd Heberlein
heberlei@leek.ucdavis.edu	128.120.57.26
heberlei@iris.ucdavis.edu	128.120.57.20