[e1ven]

More often that I'd like, I've seen people get too deep into their projects, and forget that things are supposed to be fun.

They start trying to coerce their project into a business, and it not only looks sad, but destroys what they loved in the process.

I certainly understand the temptation, but I hope I maintain the wisdom to know where the line should be.

[JonnieCache]

If you don't extract maximum value from your assets, someone else will.

[chubas7]

This changes the moment you realize your 'assets' have free will, a capacity to discern, and really strong opinions

[JonnieCache]

Then it's your fault for not acting to neutralize those risks.

[e1ven]

I have a website, Robohash.org, that's embedded in websites around the world. It gets millions (!) of loads every week.

Should I be falling over myself, trying to find a way to monetize it, or should I enjoy that people are using it, and smile when I see one?

Most of us already have good jobs, our bills are (mostly) paid, and we're not in danger of going hungry.

Startups are great, and I encourage people to start one when there's something with a real revenue model, but don't try to force your fun little quirky project into being something it's not.

Try to force a quirky fun project into being a revenue producing startup, is like charging you friends to watch your Garage band play. I understand the motivation, but it's kinda sad.

[JonnieCache]

Time to come clean before this goes too far: I actually agree with you completely. This was a little experiment with devils advocacy. I am somewhat heartened by the result.

EDIT: btw I like robohash. Good work.

[Gmo]

wow, didn't know robohash, it's cool :)

[lifeisstillgood]

just to clarify - robohash is a image made up from discrete robot parts (ears, nose, etc) and assembled according to say every 8 bytes in a SHA1 hash?

So its essentially SSH-fingerprint-art, but waaaaay cooler.

Do not monetize it - the world will come back around and reward you one day.

[e1ven]

That is exactly how it works. It's fun!

And I think that's exactly the right attitude ;) It's not something I need to make money on, it's just something cool to have added to the world. (It's OSS, too!)

[Evbn]

It's quaint how you ascribe innocent motivations in the first place, as though this wasn't a commercial project from the start.