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Apps To release Source or not to release source.

Should I release the source code to my app?

  • I'd like it for my own Interactive Fiction book.

    Votes: 1 33.3%

  • I'd like it for reference only.

    Votes: 2 66.7%

  • Release it, but under a CC license. (or other Open Source License)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Keep it hidden, keep it safe. Never release the code.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • The app / code is too primitive, don't bother.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • No opinion either way.

    Votes: 1 33.3%
  • Total voters
    3
A

antihero

Lurker
So I've lately been contemplating releasing my app for free including the source code after getting a mediocre-at-best review on the content of my first app.

The app itself is fairly simple and pretty solid. Essentially an interactive fiction app. (Choose your own adventure is trademarked I do believe). The content was praised in only the artwork, but the few choices and shortness of it was criticized. There were also other things that were criticized that were related to the content and not the app itself.

For budget reasons, I've had to make the decision to not get more artwork for the second part (if the reviewer even knew it was part 1 of 4). As for continuing with the content development, I'm really struggling with it as well. With the lack of sales, I keep thinking I might as well refund those who have purchased and abandon the app. Yes, it's only been a little over a month, but things don't seem to be getting better.



I had a thought that if others are interested in my code, that I might release all code for this app for others to use. If I can't make money on it, then maybe someone else can. Let me know if you're interested.

The app itself is here:
Paid
Demo

And I'd be releasing the code for the paid version. Any sort of copy protection would be removed as that would be up to you.
 
What promotion have you done?

If it's your first app you could consider opening the code making it free and continue working on it in a very light capacity and use it as a loss leader (something to get you known, get people ready to check out your next app).

Also, month is a TINY amount of time; I'd say hang in there. I'm a big supporter of open source too but would feel guilty trying to advise you on a personal decision like that.

Like someone (AngryHatter, I think) on these forums said, any time you put yourself on stage, you have to be prepared for an audience, and some of them may have opinions that are near worthless :)

For what it's worth, it took me nearly a year and 50+ updates to get a decent following for Listables. (Though I admiteddly suck at promotion).
 
I think I just might do that. I'll release it as open source minus the content and accept requests for new features (if others don't wish to do it themselves). I'll be sure to take every suggestion with a grain of salt as you suggest ;)

Might be a few days, But i'll get it done.
 
Thanks for posting this -- I'm going to bookmark and see if I can find some time to dig through the code -- at first glance it looks nice and clean though :)
 
If you dont mind I would like to link to this thread from our development sticky. I think even though this is your first apps, this is great code for beginners to look at :)
 
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