in reply to shareware ideas??

Consider GPL/Artistic license instead, and CPAN. The great distribution system and visibility will help you a lot.

You cannot successfully encrypt executable code, since the decryption key must be present for the app to run. That fact is language independent. Rely on copyright.

Shareware is a deprecated form of distribution. It hasn't worked for years, if ever.

After Compline,
Zaxo

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Re: Re: shareware ideas??
by caedes (Pilgrim) on Jun 27, 2002 at 02:04 UTC
    I agree. Unless this is a huge killer app. you are going to make little or no money for the effort it will take to implement a distrobution system. Just compare an estimate of the time it will take to the current cost of your time. Even if your currently unemployed, your time could be more efficiently used (ie. in looking for a job).

    I think we could better answer your question if you gave us a little more information about the app. you have.

    -caedes

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Re: Re: shareware ideas??
by Kickstart (Pilgrim) on Jun 27, 2002 at 21:38 UTC
    How about the 'making perl in an executable binary' idea that I used to hear bantied about a lot? Wouldn't that (admittedly kind of pain in the butt) idea work?

    Now...a word about open sourcing this...yes, he could. He would make no money, and to be honest - unless he has created a killer app and gets very lucky - he will be ignored and used and abused for it. I've been through that, so have other people I know. The far majority of users of open source software are A) incredibly cheap, B) downright rude and C) not interested in helping the project improve. It's a small core of people who do the real work, reap no benefits, and make the world a better place.

    So...this guy wants to make a few bucks on shareware, all the power to him. Until we can figure out a decent micropayment structure for software, it's the best he can do to feel that his work has paid off.

    Kickstart (the disillusioned)

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