Fellow Maptituders,
As many of you know, I've released over a dozen add-ins over the last three and
a half years, all free and open-source (FOSS)-- free speech AND free beer. I've
been thinking about creating enhanced versions of some of these for commercial
release, and would like to gauge group interest.
I'm still mulling over the details, but here's where I am at this point:
- I intend to continue releasing FOSS add-ins, so (if you're a skinflint like
me) you can rest easy. However, "paying customers" might get extra features
absent in the FOSS version. And the occasional add-in may be commercial only.
- The commercial releases would be closed-source. You would get an .exe
installer: just double click to install the add-in. No need to compile or run
the "set up add ins" dialog.
- All options in the commercial releases would be controlled via dialog boxes:
no messing with administrative settings, and no need to recompile each time you
change a setting. In some cases you would be able to save the default settings
for the add-in from within the dialog box itself.
- These add-ins would be inexpensive: $5 or $10 in most cases. Just enough to
give me incentive to design an installer, build dialog box controls, and (when
needed) write documentation. At those prices don't expect any guarantees except
your money back if not satisfied.
I'm not expecting to get rich here. The four add-ins I released in November
have averaged just 75 downloads each; that's not exactly a large market. After
expenses, I'll be lucky to break minimum wage! But if I had just a buck for
every time someone snagged the distances.rsc add-in, I could upgrade my old 4.6
license to 6.0. I've been thinking about ways to extend that macro's
functionality. I just need a little incentive to get off my butt.
So my questions are, would you be willing to pay for the convenience of an
installer (and possibly other enhancements), or are you happy the way things
are? And are there any particular utilities you would like to see upgraded
first (or other utilities you'd like to see written)?
It's probably best to respond off-list, so that folks don't feel "spammed."
Thanks in advance!
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