1. Start a convention around it, which could be profitable
2. sell swag, T-shirts and the like (lets say it's a limited quantity that can only be bought by contributors, then it becomes a prized way to show off)
3. in app purchases, for example if I made a photoshop equivalent, but had it linked up to a font store.
4. Get companies/governments that use your software to give you Grants.
That's all I've got that hasn't already been covered. I know a few open source guys who just feel dirty about getting money for it. Personally I'm the same when I make art, I don't want it to be a job, when it starts becoming a job I stop enjoying it, and every time I've taken a break from art in my life it's because it started feeling oppressive like a job. As I learn to code, and as I start to enjoy it, I worry that a similar feeling may happen, in which case I may have an open source project or two on the side just for funzies while I have my moneymaking job separate. I think I would be happier with such an arrangement.
1. Start a convention around it, which could be profitable 2. sell swag, T-shirts and the like (lets say it's a limited quantity that can only be bought by contributors, then it becomes a prized way to show off) 3. in app purchases, for example if I made a photoshop equivalent, but had it linked up to a font store. 4. Get companies/governments that use your software to give you Grants.
That's all I've got that hasn't already been covered. I know a few open source guys who just feel dirty about getting money for it. Personally I'm the same when I make art, I don't want it to be a job, when it starts becoming a job I stop enjoying it, and every time I've taken a break from art in my life it's because it started feeling oppressive like a job. As I learn to code, and as I start to enjoy it, I worry that a similar feeling may happen, in which case I may have an open source project or two on the side just for funzies while I have my moneymaking job separate. I think I would be happier with such an arrangement.