Hmm, so far today I’ve had 800+ downloads of photos, 300+ downloads of tasks and another 75+ downloads of PHP Doc System and other misc. b2 hacks and goodies. Also today I’ve only had 33 visits to my donation page. No wonder I’m not getting many donations, apparently most people are just ignoring it altogether.
Rather disappointing for me… 
if people don’t like the software enough to donate a few bucks, I don’t know if I should be putting in all of this energy and time putting out the releases. I don’t want this to sound like a threat or sour grapes, because I really don’t mean it to be. I’m just weighing the amount of time I’m spending on developing aspects of the software that are above what I want for my own use, and the reward for doing so.
For example, the revamped Add Folder functionality in photos was a *huge* time investment, and though I think it is really cool and a big improvement - I certainly didn’t need it myself. I did it because people were asking for it. Maybe it will intice someone to donate, maybe it won’t. Adding options people ask for, making things configurable and packaging everything up for a release takes quite a bit of time. I’m glad people are downloading and hopefully using the software, but I’m also dissapointed in the response I’m getting on the donationware side.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Miraz Jordan adds this Comment:
Fair enough, but keep in mind that some of us have downloaded but not yet had time to try out Photo. It looks great and I’m keen to experiment. Life just keeps getting in the way …
June 23rd, 2003 at 10:01 pm
Alex adds this Comment:
Sure, that is certainly the case with the downloads today (and over the last few weeks). I certainly expect people to try the software and make sure they like it and use it before donating. However the overall stats (I update them on the donation page) are kind of lopsided - at this writing, 21,500+ downloads and $220 on about 10 donations. Maybe these releases will be what it takes to inspire people who haven’t yet to contribute.
June 23rd, 2003 at 10:06 pm
jay adds this Comment:
Hello, I haven’t tried your program (s) but I was searching for information on donationware and found this site. I was planning on releasing some programs I wrote as donationware but so far I see alot of dishearting comments and I’m wondering if shareware is a better approach. It’s a shame some people will use your software every day and never pay you. At least with shareware you can hold some features for ransom until they “donate”.. Anyways, good luck and keep at it!
July 4th, 2003 at 12:59 pm