How to generate more donations for Everything?

[NotNull]

The amount of donations for Everything are low for quite some time now.
As this is the single source of income for @void, this is not sustainable.


So ... anyone with ideas to increase the amount of donations/income for @void?

[froggie]

Start with the usual ones:
Make it obvious that this is donation supported software - now the only indication is the menu at the top of the download page. Put a banner on the page; put something on the home page; put up a nag screen every few months.

[horst.epp]

I made a donation again.
Hopefully others follow it.
Thanks for the reminder.

[klark1kent]

I'm just spit balling here but...

Make a separate thread where all submitted requests for New Features can be consolidated from various threads throughout the site or submitted as new. After confirming the feature doesn't exist, or that he doesn't have an existing method in the program that can perform the functionality, that we don't know about, and that it would require custom development on his part.. "elevate" the request to a shortlist of features that can be implemented once a certain threshold in terms of a donation is met. allow for some sort of crowdfunding or something.

This is a shit explanation but a lot of times people are like " man I'd really like if you had this, I'd pay for something like that... "

There are tons of features recommended all the time, but he's one guy, so he has to prioritize and can't get to them all. He also has to balance his own vision for development, and I'm sure there are requests that have a much lower priority pending what his priorities are....

In this case, the feature requests that meet the donation threshold, move to the highest priority along with bugs/breakfix, or anything else void deems important.

If someone wants it bad enough they could pay the total donation target themselves, or if the feature has community support, they could split the cost...

[void]

Thank you for the donations and support.

[Net7]

Donated today, what I could afford, your site is honestly one of the sites I would appreciate seeing a monthly funding banner on the side, tool makes my personal and work life survivable.

No real ideas outside of just some sort of monthly goal banner, obviously if hes having to seek out other jobs to afford living, its reasonable to post a realistic month to month funding need with the understanding the missing funding has to come from somewhere and reduces his time on the project and could lead to its discontinuation.

[anmac1789]

oh god i hope this project doesn't get discontinued because that would mean the final end of me to having to sort through all these files.. How much donation on average does he require to come out with the beta and subsequent v1.6, v1.7 etc. ?

[GeneralAdmission]

Consider adding a paid license requirement for commercial use beyond a certain threshold, such as any company >5 employees or $X annual revenue. Don't change the software except adding a message in one or two places that commercial use requires a paid license. If a company uses tool X to help make money, it is absolutely reasonable that tool X should cost something.

In the past I have worked at multiple companies where I pushed hard and received approval to purchase licenses for specific software. If I'm ever in the same position again at another company, I would happily use my influence to get the company to purchase licenses for Everything. I'm willing to bet there are many other Everything users who have positions and a voice in their workplace who could also advocate for Everything.

When 1.5 achieves official release, that would be a good opportunity for any license changes. I would recommend *not* changing the licensing for existing versions <=1.4. Vader-style retroactive rule changes tend to piss people off big time. Also, I advise against any restrictive DRM or activation requirements. The frustration and anger at such technologies is only increasing, and unhappy people do not pay people who made them unhappy.

[WKen]

I think it is necessary to add a good tip because most people may not notice it.
For example, place "Donate" directly in the menu bar, users can hide it, or at some point the prompt window pops up.
(I hope Everything can be updated continuously. If Everything is difficult to sustain, you can launch a donated version or even a paid version. . .Refer to FreeFileSync)

[NotNull]

There is a file manager that uses that principle too: 32-bit is free; 64-bit requires donation.

The Everything Server is intended to be commercial: free for personal use, companies need to get a paid license.
(and my idea would be to create a license that is bound to a specific Active Directory domain, so it won't get abused)

Maybe that can be done for "regular" Everything too, like @GeneralAdmission suggested: free for personal use, paid for commercial use.


Another option:
Create forum membership "badges". Donated 10+ <currency> => Fan. 25+ => Gold Member.
Not my favourite, as I think one should earn status, not "just" buy it. Just brainstorming; maybe it can lead to other ideas ..

[NotNull]

I just realized that this is where an A.I. should shine.
ChatGPT has the following thoughts:
(layout got a bit messed up, but message should still be clear)



Generating more income for a donation-ware application with a large user base can be done creatively while maintaining the ethos of the application. Here are some ideas:
1. Freemium Model

Offer the basic version of your application for free, and charge for premium features that enhance the user experience. Some examples:

Exclusive Content/Features: Add features such as advanced analytics, additional customization options, or premium support.
Ad-Free Experience: Allow users to donate for an ad-free experience, or offer a premium plan to remove ads.
Priority Access: Users who donate more could get access to new features first or have priority in support queues.

2. Voluntary Subscription Tiers

Implement a voluntary subscription model where users can donate on a regular basis in exchange for perks. For example:

Monthly/Yearly Donation Plans: Offer users the ability to contribute regularly in exchange for certain perks, such as exclusive content, badges, or other community benefits.
Recognition: Create tiers based on donation amounts, and offer recognition, such as special badges, shout-outs, or other rewards.

3. In-App Purchases for Customization

Allow users to purchase in-app items that enhance their experience, like:

Personalized Themes: Offer special themes, backgrounds, or skins that users can purchase.
Virtual Goods: Depending on the type of application, offer in-app purchases such as virtual gifts, avatars, or other fun enhancements.
Enhanced Functionality: Offer functionality that improves the user experience, such as extra storage, additional features, or advanced analytics.

4. Crowdfunding or Campaigns

Crowdfunding for New Features: Use your existing user base to fund the development of new features or projects. This can be done via platforms like Kickstarter or through in-app campaigns.
Campaigns for Specific Causes: If your app has a social cause or charity element, allow users to contribute to specific charitable campaigns within the app.

5. Affiliate Marketing or Partnerships

Form partnerships with businesses that align with your app's values or target audience. You could earn revenue by promoting their products or services:

Affiliate Links: Integrate affiliate marketing for related products (e.g., books, software, or services your users might enjoy) and offer recommendations via your app.
Partner with Brands for Sponsorships: Partner with companies that want to reach your audience and offer them an opportunity to sponsor specific features, events, or even the app itself.

6. Offer Paid Workshops, Courses, or Webinars

If your app has educational or training components, create value-added services such as:

Premium Content: Offer workshops, courses, or webinars that users can pay for.
Expert Services: Provide users access to expert consultations or premium customer support through paid sessions.

7. Branded Merchandise

Sell branded merchandise such as T-shirts, stickers, or accessories that represent your app. The proceeds can help support your app’s development and growth while giving your users a way to show their support.
8. API Access or B2B Solutions

If your app is widely used and has valuable data or functionality, consider monetizing it by offering an API or creating a business-to-business (B2B) model:

API Access for Developers: Offer developers or businesses access to your app’s API for a fee. This would allow them to build additional integrations or use your service’s data.
White-label Solutions: Provide a white-label version of your app for businesses to integrate into their operations, offering a revenue stream through licensing or subscription.

9. Host Fundraising Events or Challenges

Organize virtual or real-world events, such as challenges or charity drives, where users can donate or participate to unlock rewards or experiences.


10. Sponsored Content or Advertisements (Non-intrusive)

While you don’t want to disrupt the user experience, you could explore non-intrusive ways of generating revenue through advertisements:

Sponsored Content: Partner with brands or content creators to feature sponsored content within your app, like blog posts, videos, or tutorials that align with your audience’s interests.
Non-invasive Ads: Use banner ads or native ads that blend with the app, ensuring they don’t take away from the user experience.

11. Donor Recognition and Giving Programs

Matching Donations: Partner with corporations or wealthy philanthropists who match donations made by users. This encourages more users to donate, knowing their contributions will be doubled.
Loyalty Programs: Reward regular donors with discounts, exclusive content, or other perks.

12. Host Community Events (Online and Offline)

Events with Entry Fees: Create special events or meetups that have a small fee, whether virtual or in person.
Challenge Campaigns: Run charity or challenge events where participants donate to enter, compete, or receive rewards.


By integrating some of these strategies, you can create a steady revenue stream while keeping the integrity and purpose of your donation-ware app intact. The key is finding ways to add value while keeping the user experience positive.

[NotNull]

And another one: Paid support contracts for getting higher priority with questions asked.
Or implementing Everything (companies will definitely pay for not having figuring it out themselves).

[Etienne]

Hi, it helped a lot to ask. I just made my first donation, thank you.
I think a few products make heavy use of everything - like dopus, for instance.
It would be reasonable to ask them point out your value to their users and suggesting they may make a donation.
Dopus should put a little note on their settings page and manual pages that reference everything that it is user and donation supported, with a link to donate. If it helps persuade them, you can offer to link everything users to them a bit more prominently too.

Make it clearer and more prominent on this website that this is your private project and source of income which depends on donations.

you have a little bit a room left inside the app to prompt users to donate - too much would be annoying and make the product worse, but there is plenty of slack for adding some of that before it becomes too much -- especially if it can just be turned off in the settings.

Finally, maybe something like a fund for specific features could help -- something like allowing donations to go towards a specific feature and a funding goal for it - and promise to prioritize the feature if/when the goal is met. I would match my previous donation to fund adding descript.ion support, for instance.

Thanks again and good luck.