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:no-monetization
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.
At least for me, the biggest reason for me no monetizing my projects is because
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?
People work on hobby projects solely because it's enjoyable. Whether it's a
[2000 Jeep Cherokee](https://eggnog.theres.life/f/52-t2zuzfel0xvrnvckym0uce0bkq0tv6.jpg), or a [command line Bible app](https://github.com/heb12/cli), 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](https://www.mercari.com/u/304741805/).
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.