HN Explorer

Ask HN: How to Open Source?

1 points by wilsonjohn ↗ HN
I have developed a privacy-focused survey tool called BlockSurvey. I bootstrapped it over last 18 months and I've just crossed over $1k in MRR. Right now, I'm working to make it open source. It's more difficult to do since there are 10+ repos and plenty of hosting configurations. How does one do it?

Should it be a phased out process with UI first and then services. The stack is Angular JS for UI, Cloudfunctions and Realtime DB from Firebase. For the way forward, should I accept donations for futher development and contributions for community members who would help with? or should I get into a strategic parternship with existing privacy focused tech players.

2 comments

[ 5.6 ms ] story [ 13.1 ms ] thread
arkitaip
Why do you want to make it open source? Open source isn't a marketing strategy, it's a social agreement based on the idea that people benefit from source code they can use, inspect and modify collectively. This comes with lots of freedom, responsibilities and challenges over many years.

One major challenge for you as a developer is monetization. If you don't have a proven strategy for making healthy recurring money after going open source, then you don't have a strategy at all. Accepting donos is not a viable monitization strategy, at least not in the beginning.

wilsonjohn
I've been looking at OS mainly for two reasons. 1. Since it is a privacy/security-focused app, it allows people to verify and accept that it is actually safe and secure. 2. Also, having few contributors to work together will accelerate develoopment and, growth.

Also there are many who are looking for a free software to use in this space, so thought of covering that up with donations.