On Feb 22, 2013, at 8:57 AM, Rob Weir wrote: > On Fri, Feb 22, 2013 at 11:49 AM, Donald Whytock <dwhyt...@gmail.com> wrote: >> On Fri, Feb 22, 2013 at 9:02 AM, Rob Weir <robw...@apache.org> wrote: >>> Looking at how these sites are actually being used, it looks more like: >>> >>> 1) Users offering monetary rewards to fix specific bugs or make >>> specific enhancements. The rewards are on the order of 10-100 USD, >>> not large enough to actually fund a developer's time (at prevailing >>> rates) but more of a token reward, a way of drawing attention to the >>> bug, giving recognition to the developer. >>> >>> 2) Developers describing more significant features that they would >>> develop for a given amount is pledged. These are more significant >>> amounts, 7000 USD I saw in one case. The interesting aspect of it is >>> that the funds do not need to come from one user. Typically several >>> (many) users pledge a small amount, and if the total amount reaches >>> the target then the developer promises to develop the feature. >>> >>> IMHO this is good for users and developers. We already have the >>> means for customers with heavy needs to buy the support they need. >>> They either employ an engineer directly, or hire a consultant. But >>> this is out of reach for individual users, or many small businesses >>> who might just need something small done, but can't do it themselves. >>> >>> -Rob >> >> A couple things... >> >> First of all, wasn't this along the lines of TeamOpenOffice's business model? >> > > I have no idea. Their business model was obscure to me and I never > saw any code come out from it. One difference here is there would not > be an implied affiliation. That, not the business model, was what was > problematic with Team OpenOffice.
Their business model was "We are OpenOffice, give us money to Save OpenOffice or it will die." They did produce a 3.3 version of OpenOffice - the so-called White Label. > >> Second, people pledge money to kickstarters to accomplish certain >> things. As in, the money generally comes either before or while >> things are getting done. But, AOO being the volunteer-driven project >> that it is, what if some bug's resolution is being kickstart-funded >> but some volunteer wakes up at 3 am with an itch and solves the bug >> independently? What would happen with the pledged money? >> > > That would be for the sponsor and the programmer to work out, per the > rules of that crowdfunding site. We would not be involved in > resolving disputes. Exactly, and many developers here are funded by their employers. Others may be funded by contracts and bounties, etc. We just need to make sure that our decisions are based on the work performed and what's best for the project and not for our employers and funders. It must be clear that there is no affiliation with nor endorsement by the AOO project and the ASF. Otherwise this is a fantastic idea. Regards, Dave > > -Rob > >> Don
