Struggling to Find an Open Source Business Model

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Title

Struggling to Find an Open Source Business Model

Speaker

Grant Paton-Simpson

Speaker's profile

PhD in Sociology on Socially Obligatory Drinking

Topic

Open Source Python projects

Abstract

After more than 45,000 downloads, the open source Python project SOFA Statistics has netted $90 (not $90k, just $90). This presentation will explain strategies tried so far, and the options available to open source projects.

Outline

After more than 45,000 downloads, a glowing two-page review in Linux Journal, and lots of positive feedback from around the world, the open source Python project SOFA Statistics has grossed $90. Yes, not $90k, just $90 before Paypal fees and tax. What are we doing to turn this around? There are helpful videos on YouTube, showmedo, a Facebook page, a twitter account, a google group, a blog, and a designer-styled website. To attract more income, users have been offered affordable commercial support, student discounts, and the enticement of free bonus themes. More recently, the application began discreetly advertising offerings to users and giving them the option on providing feedback on how useful SOFA was to them and what would make it more useful (via a Google Docs survey). Sadly, all to no avail. This presentation will outline the various strategies tried so far, new strategies we are considering, and some of the open source business models available. Maybe you know what should be done? User input welcome.

Audience

Non-Programmer

Tags

analysis, business models, charting, databases, open source, statistics