heberlei@iris.ucdavis.edu (Todd) (05/09/89)
I am about to purchase an SE/30 system and thought it would be nice to get a little back on my investment. Could someone out in net-land clue me in to ways I could make a little side cash? * How well does the share-ware system work? I like this idea. I would like everyone to be able play with the programs I write (eg. free), but I sure wouldn't mind if someone sent me some money as a sign of appreciation and encouragement to continue. Has anyone tried this? If so, any success? * I've seen ads for companies that will market your software, but I've heard rumors that these are bad deals. Any comments or experiences? * Do the big companies ever buy programs and concepts from independents? For example, if one of us came up with a great idea for a software package and built a rough proto-type, would a company like Microsoft purchase the rights to the idea and develop a full blown version? Or would they develop a full blown version and laugh at you? Thanks, Todd Heberlein heberlei@leek.ucdavis.edu 128.120.57.26 heberlei@iris.ucdavis.edu 128.120.57.20
brian@hpfcdj.HP.COM (Brian Rauchfuss) (05/10/89)
>/ hpfcdj:comp.sys.mac.programmer / heberlei@iris.ucdavis.edu (Todd) / 11:23 am May 8, 1989 / > >* How well does the share-ware system work? I like this idea. I >would like everyone to be able play with the programs I write (eg. >free), but I sure wouldn't mind if someone sent me some money as a >sign of appreciation and encouragement to continue. Has anyone tried >this? If so, any success? > I have been marketing DigSim, a logic simulator (plug! plug!) for a few years now. It works pretty well for me, people who use it alot send in money. It seems that it depends on the type of program. If it is something people will use alot, like a desk accessory or word proccessor, people will send in money. If it is a utility which people only occasionally use, they probably won't. A prime example is FEdit, an extremely useful file editing/fixing program. Apparently everyone kept it (just in case), but few paid for it. It is now a commercial program. Brian Smokefoot "I never knew I could shape my life brian@hpfcbdr.HP.COM like the artist paints his dreams on a canvas." - Minor Detail