Why I Don't Monetize my Software Projects

July 2 2022

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As an amateur software developer, the question I get asked the most is:
"When is that million dollar app coming out?"

I tend to say I don't know, or I don't have any good app ideas, but I never
give an accurate answer. After all, it's not easy to explain to the average
Joe why a hobby OS or a firmware hack isn't making a ton of money.

This is a post explaining why amateur software developers (especially
open source programmers) don't monetize or make money off their projects.

I Don't Know How To

At least for me, the biggest reason for me no monetizing my projects is because
I have no idea how to monetize. I don't know how to get people to pay money for stuff,
or market a product, or manage an online audience. Heck, I can't even figure
out how to manage a Twitter account.
This is a big reason for why most programmers are better off working for a company
with a dedicated marketing team instead of trying to do everything on their own.

And most importantly, I hate marketing and monetizing. If it's just a hobby
project, why do something I hate to try and make little money from it?

It's a Hobby

People work on hobby projects solely because it's enjoyable. Whether it's a
2000 Jeep Cherokee, or a command line Bible app, we like to work on them
because it's cool and rewarding to see the final result. Trying to turn it
into a money project can ruin the enjoyment.

Monetizing my software is just something I can't do. I would do it if I could,
but I can't. I still have plenty of other hobbies I make money from, such as
my tech business.

PS:
If you are a businessman or marketing expert and see potential in one of my
projects on the internet, send me a quick email.