Would You Go Freeware and Why?

[Kyuzo]

I've often wondered why Freeware programmers work so hard to create programs which they give away for very little recompense.

Let us say you are a programmer. Perhaps you have gone to school, spent much money on tuition, have rent due, car payments and of course you must eat. You've just created a great piece of software. You've got a site on which to feature it (perhaps more expense). Would you offer it as freeware? Why? What are you getting from it (except the odd Paypal contribution! )?

[Jojoyee]

See How do freeware authors earn a living? in this page.

[Ritho]

You are not the first to have asked such a question. In fact there has been a whole book written on it. It is actually a collection of papers on the subject, so you can kind of pick and choose what you want to read.

You can get it here. http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item...pe=2&tid=11216

The PDF version is free. (There is a link on the left under "Related Links")

I have been meaning to recommend this to the editors on this site for sometime, but kept forgetting. I have read some of the papers. It is quite interesting.

[felix45]

Freeware means that the software is free to use for an unlimited time but you can’t make changes in source code. The main disadvantage of using Freeware from the internet is the risk for your PC to get infected with spyware.

[Ritho]

Freeware means that the software is free to use for an unlimited time but you can’t make changes in source code. The main disadvantage of using Freeware from the internet is the risk for your PC to get infected with spyware.

Such lines of reasoning are down-right silly. Of course it is true that you can get infected with spyware and such by downloading freeware. It can happen with open source stuff too if you are not careful and someone has tampered with it. At the same time there are numerous commercial programs that come with parasites as well. Just because you spend money on a product does not guarantee anything. There are all kinds of ways to check out products and make sure you are not getting more than you bargain for.

Needless to say, you picked a pretty bad place to come and cast negative light on freeware.

[HeWhoRocks]

Originally Posted by felix45

Freeware means that the software is free to use for an unlimited time but you can’t make changes in source code. The main disadvantage of using Freeware from the internet is the risk for your PC to get infected with spyware.

Added to what Ritho has said, the main download centers for freeware tend to be Sourceforge and such like, and every application is scanned and vetted thoroughly before it goes anywhere near their download servers. Downloads from less reputable distributors may well come with unwelcome surprises but the individual chooses what to download and from where.

[George]

I meant to answer this post for a while now. Here it goes.

I am a software developer, I spent money and nerves to get my education, I have rent due, insurance payments and all that stuff you mention. I also work very hard on creating software and I am offering some of it for free.

Why, you ask? Well, I just love doing it.

I love creating software, from having an idea up to implementing it. All the little moments of success and happiness when you make another module work or when your design just looks the way you envisioned it are very re-paying.

I love sharing it. I invented something useful, it might help others too. And user repsonses with thanks or ideas of improvement are a well appreciated 'payment' as well. I learn from that and develop my skills further, another goodie that should not be underestimated.

But I have to pay my bills, yes, of course. And if I wouldn't have a good job it would probably look a bit different. But as long as I am good there I will continue to love creating and sharing software for free I guess...

[kkslider]

That guy is probably the author of one of the most popular freeware programs in history. It's nagware, but I wonder what he gets in donations.

[Kyuzo]

Thank you for your answer, George. I don't know what software you created, but it would be my pleasure to someday try it. I think it would be something to create an item that is used by multitudes. I suppose I am a closet Hippie, Socialist or Romantic, but I find there is a certain appeal in freeware that is lacking in commercial ventures.

This is the very reason I asked the question. Thank you for your reply.

kkslider: I had to smile when I saw your moniker. I've spent a good deal of my time on Animal Crossing, I'm embarrassed to say...

Regards to all, Kyuzo.