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Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension?

2 points by kevinburke ↗ HN
I've got an idea for a product and people willing to pay for it, but the only way to implement it is as a browser extension inside Gmail. Is there any way I can I sell the extension? If not, what are some other avenues I could use to make money?`

6 comments

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there
sure, secretly track everyone's data and sell it.
engtech
unless it's 1998 and the product is a pop-up blocker, no.
answerly
There was a great session at Google IO about developer success stories within the Google apps marketplace. It is well worth a watch if you are looking for ways to make money within Gmail (particularly if your product targets businesses/business users).

Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnW_Y9nRiEY

EECS
There are several lifestyle projects (ie cashflow) that run solely as a plugin so yes, it can generate revenue. But most companies often run a plugin in conjunction with a website. It's rare for a company to be entirely nothing but a single plugin.
kevinburke
Agreed - this isn't a business so much as something that could generate cash on the side.