"Contribution System" for new features?

[DW]

Great thread guys - thanks for the input.

I am leaning towards a 'credit' based system where everyone can vote on the features they want to see.  I'm considering incentives and benefits, such as giving users extra 'credits' for every year they've been with us, with a maximum to balance the field.

Then there's the issue of those who need features fast and are willing to pay.  This is quite rare, and I don't see it interfering too much with general development.  Were I to take on these jobs I would balance them with the top-requested features.

The new site, when it's released, will be the beginning of yearly subscriptions for updates and forum access (for new users) so I'm not as concerned about the revenue from features.  I am also implementing "site licenses" although, this will not (yet) be enforced beyond the 'honor system'.  Furthermore, resellers will be able to purchase licenses at a steep discount and actually create (and reverse, for 90 days) their own ListMailPRO accounts for their clients.  I've also added some new services including an 'offsite backup' service where you might choose to pay $5/mo to automatically store a daily backup on my servers.

With all of the above I think we will be just fine for profits and I will not need to 'tax' feature development.

What do you think?

[mr.trevor]

Hi DW,
no doubt you have your own plans for development that will allow ListMail to lead or at least 'keep pace' with any competition.
I am sure that you welcome suggestions from users that you may decide to implement at some time of your choosing.
It would seem quite reasonable that anyone wishing to influence you away from your plan would donate towards your time to incorporate features that they particularly need.
Personally I have learnt a great deal from installing ListMail and watching your ongoing development work. I am amazed at how much you continually manage to include in what was an impressive product to begin with.
Thank you again for such a feature rich and reliable product.

[BGSWebDesign]

Hi DW,

will be the beginning of yearly subscriptions for updates and forum access (for new users) so I'm not as concerned about the revenue from features

Sounds like you're on the right track, good for you... that's an excellent idea, and I hope it provides you the income you need to keep hard at work on LMP and new features while at the same time providing your past purchasers with the same excellent customer service they are used to.

I am leaning towards a 'credit' based system where everyone can vote on the features they want to see

This is also an excellent idea - please keep us all informed on when the next release is coming... I still think this is a big one, if you could just put up a Forum Group that would list the upcoming 'New Features' and also put up a temporary schedule on when you expect them we would all appreciate it...

Credit based system, interesting concept... would love to just see a schedule on what you've got planned for the next 3 months, 6 months and 1 year - so I can plan on implementing some of my own promotional concepts into my lists.