Paying Freeware Authors?

[pashley]

And if I were a guy wanting to download what would be required?

You register on the site - that's free, and takes 10 seconds. No, I don't sell your email address. I just need to keep track of what is going where.

Go to the library.

Download. There's only one, non-throttled speed. I don't charge you for a faster speed or a number of DL's per day - it's basically open access.

There you have it, sir.

 

[Bjoern]

First of all, I'm not going to be doing the donation thing to the author - I've heard you guys, and you say no.

Ah, cool. Thought it still stood for debate.

Does that mean the biggest? No. I want quality stuff, not mediocre or bad stuff.

But how do you define "quality stuff"?

Add-Ons can be regarded as a piece of art, since they are highly subjective by incorporating a designer's philosophy and maybe even part of his/her personality.
Art is a highly subjective matter, others won't like what you like and vice versa.

Take Premier Aircraft Design for example. Some people like their models, because they're kept simple and user-friendly or because they've modeled a plane fans have been waiting for a long time. Others though, find PAD's KISS-philosophy and their low-res textures not appealing at all.

What are you going to do about that? Refuse to host those aircraft because they depict a simpler approach to realizing your favourite aircraft for FS?

Next example: Project Opensky. Beautiful models, great textures, but VCs as usable as a piece of lawn. Are they going to be hosted? You bet they are, because they're good for screenshots.

Where do you draw the line then?
Is it enough to look good to be "quality stuff" or do you also consider things beyond optical properties, like usability and flight dynamics?

I want you to be able to see big screenshots of the product, not little thumbnails.

That's always good, as long as the screenshots are representative, say depicting both exterior and interior of the plane.

Don't forget file descriptions. If the author didn't submit a good one, you'd have to write one yourself.

I'm even thinking about actually taking the time to install the product, make a 30 second video of it in action, and posting it as part of the description in the library. Who else does that? Isn't that something people would appreciate?

I wouldn't use that feature, but it would definately make your site a bit "different" to the other ones.

And I don't charge for any access to the library, by the way.

That's the minimum. I wouldn't join a site charging for freeware.

The unlimited download speed sounds good as well, but make sure your server is well connected to avoid chokes during peak times.

 

[pashley]

But how do you define "quality stuff"?

Of course, it's a subjective term. Why not host both types that you cited?

I can always review the library every year and weed out the ones with bad reviews or bad ratings.

Which, is another feature I have, that others don't. Not only can you leave a brief review, right in the library listing, but also leave a rating, up to 5 stars. To boot, the author can even "answer" your review, which is fair to the author.

 

[Francois]

Sorry for continuing to be the devil's advocate, but: do you realize how many FS websites there are currently? Many of them just as 'idealistic' as yours?

I too want the hobby to continue, and am a strong proponent of freeware. I feel that 'the hobby' wouldn't have survived for over 30 years without it. But I agree with Bjoern: you can't funnel freeware.. it is a living thing, driven by individuals and their own personal focus and satisfaction out of it.

The plans you have for your website are fine, as yet another hobby project. I fear however that it will be just like all those other thousands of would-be top-quality FS websites in a year or so...... it takes many YEARS of continuously performing services AND lots of money (!!) to run website of any importance. Just don't make the mistake of underestimating that fact.

Wishing you lots of luck......

Francois

 

[pashley]

Sorry for continuing to be the devil's advocate, but: do you realize how many FS websites there are currently? Many of them just as 'idealistic' as yours?

Thanks, Francois.

We can drop the freeware donation issue - it's not going to happen.

Yes, I understand what is involved with my endeavor. I also realize the there are several FS site - and virtual airlines - that people just drop after several months of interest. I suppose that's human nature.

This is my situation: I'm a stay-at-home father. The wife goes to work, and makes a decent enough salary, so we can do this. I have the time to tender the site. I also have the technical knowledge (web site designer for over 5 years), the drive ( I want to make money on the tutorials) and the vision ( I know I can make a better FS website experience).

Will it be easy? No. I'm old enough to know that things worth having are worth working for.

I don't mind you playing devil's advocate - in fact, I welcome it - as long as it is done in a constructive fashion (as you have done) and not a "you'll-never-make-anything-of-this" fashion. That attitude is not welcome.

 

[Bjoern]

Of course, it's a subjective term. Why not host both types that you cited?

I can always review the library every year and weed out the ones with bad reviews or bad ratings.

That, while being great for keeping the library slim, isn't that practicable. Even "bad" files are somewhen needed somehow by someone. Kicking them out regularly wouldn't be much of a benefit to your site's public appearance.

Either reject them during submission or bite the sour apple and take and keep them all.

Other than that, if your amibition can be kept up in the long run, go for it. The more sites, the merrier. Even if it's just to free up some bandwith from the other, traditional add-on libraries.

This is my situation: I'm a stay-at-home father.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmWp-rI6vSw

Sorry, but I just couldn't resist...

 

[pashley]

Hey, that was an awesome video! Will share it with my nephew...who is ALSO a stay-at-home dad!

 

[Sundog]

I'd be very interested to see the books of sites like sim-outhouse, avsim, flightsim etc. As I understand it these sites all rely on volunteers to keep running. Any income they If you're a freeware designer and you want a bit of beer money put a donation link into your readme. You'd probably get more money that way than joining the OP's website and at least you'd know 100% of the profits went to you.

That says exactly what I think.

 

[Francois]

Yo Sundawg !!!!! Look waht you did here! YOu made me read a FIVE YEAR OLD thread that is no longer relevant !!

(Note to self: check the dates on the posts before reading anything here)