Here are some concepts I have seen.
- (1) Payware only + frequently updated copy protection + only for registered costumers + hunting down warez:
The strategy is to make it hard for pirates by registering and custom branding the software with personal data of the costumer to prevent him from uploading it at warez community. If a versions getting leaked anyway ban the serial.- (2) Shareware + frequently updated copy protection + hunting down warez:
People may try the software and begin to like it. To use it for a longer time them are forced to buy it.- (3) Shareware + easy to crack copy protection + not hunting down warez:
Anyone pirate or legal costumer may use the software and spread it to get more famous and hoping there are some people who will pay.- (3 b) Just like (3) but "crack" you program yourself and then upload it to as much warez communitys like you can in order to get your program more famous.
- (4) Lite Version for free and Premium Version for money:
Spreed a lite version but include a trick so people want to buy the premium version later. The lite version is to get more famous.- (5) Freeware + Closed Source + begging for donations:
Legal freeware and hoping people like it and spread it. Hoping people will donate.- (6) Open Source + begging for donations + hoping for people to donate source code:
Risk that someone grabs the source and makes a fork. But good to find some people who help to make a even better product for you for free. Therefore more wide spread and hopefully more donations. Firefox does this pretty successfully, them get money for example from google for the search box.- (7) Freeware + Closed Source + extensible with skins and plugins:
Nearly same as above but no risk that someone can make a fork. But as it`s not really Open Source therefore could be less people willing to contribute.
You may also introduce new concepts.
Which concept is most promisingly to get most money out of it?
