Basically it becomes something very different once it's a product you're selling. I'm honestly not sure it's a good advice - your users will rightfully expect a lot more from you if they pay for the product, and you'll probably not make enough money for it to really make sense. So it'll be more work, more obligations, and monetary incentives won't be strong enough for it to make sense.

Encouraging users to make donations to cover the cost of operation, on the other hand, makes all the sense in the world.

[–] rglullis@communick.news 2 points 3 weeks ago (3 children)

The handful of paid customers I have on Communick are better than any "supporter" I had on my open source projects. They understand the value of their time, expectations are adjusted with proper communication and none of them act entitled just because they pay.

I strongly believe that we need to change the general mentality and that charging a little bit from everyone is better than relying on few generous people to make up for freeloaders

[–] RookieNerd@hachyderm.io 1 points 3 weeks ago

@rglullis @cabbage In a way, it's just like splitting utility bills with flatmates.

Many instances do the same. They require members to pay at least a (reasonable) minimum amount in a year. This is also well stated since day 0 in their registration form.

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