[patrickg]

I give away my database publishing software (https://www.speedata.de/) for free and make a living with offering services (helping companies producing high quality product catalogs and datasheets etc. using the software) Its not much, but I live a happy live.

I spend about 1/2 of the time doing services and 1/2 hacking on the software. Quite often, customers are paying for new features in the software so it is paid hacking. Great!

[MrGilbert]

Did you start working on your software with this kind of constellation in mind? Or was it more of a side project that turned into a business?

[patrickg]

I started with a closed source software but I opened it shortly after. So I didn't start with this in my mind, but since I love open source software, I had the feeling that I should open it and try my luck. I love the idea of the GNU projet.

[Havoc]

Great positive vibes in your post :)

[dgb23]

Sounds wonderful! Fair, visibly useful and independent work.