Ask HN: Open source projects make money？

[neocanable]

I launched a open source project of decompile Android/Java(https://github.com/neocanable/garlic) two years ago, It is very small and super fast, and it can be easily integrated with other projects, such as modifying the bytecode of jvm/dalvik.

What confuses me now is that I want to make money from this project, but I can only think of providing customized services. Can anyone give me some advice? Or should I give up the idea of making money on this project?

[carlosjobim]

You made a mistake by making it open source.

You fix this mistake by closing the source, ie taking any source code offline and continuing to develop it with closed source.

To make money, you sell the software for a fair price.

[terminalbraid]

If you keep it open source a common model is not to make money off of the code directly but to provide service, support, and consultation around it.

Payment for access to expanded and more powerful feature sets offered under a different license model is very common.

Similarly you can contract to build specific features, possibly under a different license open or closed.

If you do any contract work or engage with licensing changes I highly recommend you work with a lawyer. Guessing or going by "legal vibes" in this space adds unnecessary risk.

[neocanable]

Thanks for your advice.

[chistev]

Asking for donations, maybe.

It's difficult to make money from open source.

[neocanable]

It is really hard for programmers

[QuiCasseRien]

being backed by companies which use your product is often the golden ticket to making a living from open source.

think of why someone could pay for something you offer free :

- have some control over you : integrate feature, prioritize you backlog, influence the roadmap...

- have confidence that the project will be maintained and won’t be abandoned

- direct support from the maintainer

- visibility/marketing

- ...

[neocanable]

Thanks for your advice!!!