| If you are thinking about starting an open source | | | | small list of possible programs to sign up for please |
| project or even a website then one of the big | | | | look at the following article: |
| questions will be on how to fund and sustain such a | | | | Sell E-Books |
| project. Hopefully this article will shed some light on | | | | Another possible source of income would be to try |
| the subject. Listed below is but a few option you | | | | and sell e-books to users of your open source |
| might want to consider when trying to find a solution | | | | projects. E-Books that you could write about may |
| to your funding problem. | | | | include an advanced user manual for your products, |
| Request sponsorship | | | | programming guidelines, maybe even through in a |
| Not many companies are willing to sponsor open | | | | small hints and tips e-book. |
| sources projects or websites as they receive | | | | Sell promotional material |
| numerous such funding requests. But maybe you | | | | You could create additional exposure for yourself by |
| could convince them that your product is worth a | | | | selling anything from coffee mugs to clocks with your |
| sponsorship deal. If not, then they might however be | | | | company logo on it. T-Shirts is another possibility as |
| willing to sponsor products/prizes for competitions | | | | this creates that extra awareness for your company |
| instead, so keep this in mind for the future. | | | | or product. |
| Sell advertising space | | | | Provide additional services (for a price) |
| You could try and sell exclusive advertising space in | | | | If your product can be easily modified, maybe you |
| your e-mails and on your website to companies that | | | | could create a service where you are willing to |
| you think might benefit from such exposure. That is | | | | redesign your product to specific guidelines. Such a |
| only if you have a large client list to start off with, so | | | | service could be aimed at companies using your |
| here possible advertisers might decline and redirect | | | | products, or even people looking for that special |
| you to their affiliate program instead (if they have | | | | touch. Doing this would have the added advantage of |
| one). However, there are many companies starting | | | | providing you with ideas for the next major update |
| off that might just be looking for add space and | | | | as well as identifying features that needs to be |
| massive exposure, so be on the lookout for them. | | | | included in your open source projects. Other |
| Affiliate programs | | | | possibilities could include installation services, selling |
| As there are many affiliate programs to choose | | | | your products on CD's and only charging duplication & |
| from, this is probably the best way to fund and | | | | postage fees, or even physically going out and |
| sustain open source projects and even websites. An | | | | teaching people/companies how to use your products |
| important thing to remember is to be on the lookout | | | | effectively. |
| for affiliate programs that will be beneficial to your | | | | Conclusion |
| income. Example: if your project or website is about | | | | The above is but a few options available to you, so |
| gambling then visitors to your website will most likely | | | | keep on the lookout for other sources of income |
| not be interested in flower adds, but then again you | | | | towards your open source projects and websites. |
| never can tell what your visitors interests are. For a | | | | |