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I want develop pretty advanced add-on for Chrome (and later for Firefox). I plan to sell it. And i am sure users will pay. But i have some apprehensions. There no add-ons in chrome or firefox add-ons directory which is not free, so, the question - is it possible to promote own commercial add-on by add-on with reduced functionality (or some nag screens) using standard channels for browser add-ons - why isn't anyone doing this (it is really a big market)??? Is there some real limitations for such business models for add-on writers (except psychological)?

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Might want to fix the grammar ... "There no add-ons in chrome or firefox "... There aren't any.... I don't mean to be mean but it was kind of hard to read or I had to re-read at least. why nobody doing this = Why isn't anyone doing this? – Scott Jan 26 '11 at 22:28
Highly doubtful anyone would pay. I know I would not. Especially for an add-on to a free browser. If I ever got a nag for an add-on it would be uninstalled in a heartbeat. – TimJ♦ Jan 27 '11 at 2:25
From developers point of view its a BIG difference, give it for free for everyone and gain ZERO. Or nag you one time, being after that uninstalled by you and some othere users, but actually obtain real money from some others who really need theirs addon. – user6863 Jan 29 '11 at 3:51
The question is - why nobody try? – user6863 Jan 29 '11 at 3:52

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I know that some people operate off of donations enter image description here

I've never given anyone money but I know that some people do...

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And it is VERY strange, they want money - it is obvious, but why they simple not split own addon on 2 parts, as it is common in shareware market, and use free part for advertising "pro" part - for real money. – user6863 Jan 26 '11 at 23:29
Even simple use of "once in a week" nag screen, which can be disabled by paying to authors might make a HUGE difference for them in terms of revenue. But nobody use this, its interesting, why? – user6863 Jan 26 '11 at 23:50
It probably boils down to the fact that if someone is doing it well for free, and you want to charge, a lot of people will just go route of "free" – Scott Jan 27 '11 at 15:55
up vote 2 down vote

You may not be able to make money selling your add-ons, but with your proven experience, you might make lots of money writing custom add-ons for other people who need them.

I used to do contract programming to write browser plug-ins using the NPAPI (Firefox, Chrome, Safari) and ActiveX (IE) APIs. There aren't a lot of people who have a track record of doing things like this well, so if a company needs this work done, you might be able to charge them a lot of money.

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Seems like a good idea. Of course, you need to find these mystery people :) – Scott Jan 27 '11 at 16:00
Currently, there are many good ways to find clients who need unusual programming skills. Listing those skills in your LinkedIn profile will get people who need them to contact you - I've gotten so much work from there lately, I've added a "not looking for work right now" note to the top of my profile. If you're in the US, posting your resume on DICE will do the same thing. Online forums and email lists related to specific technologies often have posts looking for for contractors, and you can post your availability. If you have a good reputation in a developer community, people will refer you. – Bob Murphy Jan 27 '11 at 20:05
startup and freelancing is a little different areas. – user6863 Jan 28 '11 at 0:30
@remraru: Quite true. – Bob Murphy Jan 28 '11 at 0:37
up vote 2 down vote

I dont know how much of a market there are for theses yet. With so many free extensions it might be tough to convince your buyers to even pay a small amount unless what you build is of very high value.

I know with google chrome "apps" you could essentially rework your web app, and make it available as a google app.

The only extension I would pay for is FireBug. Other than that I have not seen anything worthy of even thinking about charging. So be careful.

If your product is not heavily tied to a browser, consider a different route.

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product IS heavily tied to a browser. Sorry, but question is not "what are you think about idea to sell browser addons". Its about "is there some concrete limitations to sell addons through standard addons directories". Anyway, thanks for you opinion. – user6863 Jan 26 '11 at 23:25
By the way. I use many addons, and without some of them i cannot even image my internet experience. I will be easily pay real money for them if only developers decide to sell them. – user6863 Jan 26 '11 at 23:33
And to clarify. I am talking there not about "one week to write" project. – user6863 Jan 26 '11 at 23:44
ok. just trying to remind you that there are some businesses where its easier to make money than others. There is no use in being a pioneer if you can put your talent to better use. – Frank Jan 26 '11 at 23:56
If they forced me to pay for firebug OR ELSE, I would pay. I need it! – Scott Jan 27 '11 at 15:56
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