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I turned my open-source project into a full-time business (docs.emailengine.app)

663 points by andris9 · 902 days ago · 248 comments on HN

Article summary

The author of the open-source project EmailEngine shares their experience of turning it into a full-time business. Initially, the project was released under an AGPL license with an option to subscribe for an MIT-licensed version, but this model did not generate significant revenue. The author then changed the license to commercial and implemented a license key system, which led to a substantial increase in revenue. This change allowed the author to work on the project full-time and earn a decent income.

Main themes

  • Open-source business models
  • License agreements
  • Monetizing software
  • Contributor rights
  • Software licensing
  • Commercialization of open-source projects

What commenters say

  • Implementing a license key system and changing the license to commercial can be an effective way to generate revenue from an open-source project.
  • Requiring contributors to sign a CLA can be seen as a way to screw over contributors if the project is later monetized without compensating them.
  • Some argue that open-source projects should pay out to contributors based on their level of contribution, and that not doing so is unfair.
  • Others believe that the risk of piracy is low for business customers, as they are often deterred by the potential legal and reputational consequences.
  • The use of CLAs can be seen as a way to facilitate the transition from open-source to proprietary software, but this can be perceived as a rug-pull by the community.
  • Some commenters argue that the value of contributions to open-source projects is difficult to measure and that the current system of voluntary contributions is not sustainable.
  • Others suggest that the focus should be on providing convenience and a working product, rather than trying to protect against piracy, as this is often more valuable to customers than the cost of the software itself.
  • The use of digital signatures and licensing schemes can be an effective way to verify the authenticity of software licenses, but it is not foolproof and can be circumvented by determined individuals.