How to monetize 'free' when it comes to open-source?
 

Obviously we could throw some ads on the software which over time could generate income, but are there any other methods of making money from open-source projects?

Ask for donations. Have an ad free, commercial version. Offer support for a price.

donations and support.

Create paid add-ons or DLCs.

t-shirts, merchandise

paid support, paid add-ons, paid upagrde
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or create 2 versions.

free limited features.

paid all features.

whatcha got

You can promote your own or 3rd-party paid services via opensource products.

See following links:
http://opensource.about.com/od/basic...e-Software.htm
http://www.infoworld.com/d/open-sour...-228428?page=0
http://www.mikeperham.com/2013/10/01...-working-hard/

1 - donations
2 - installers and toolbars
3 - paid support

PM me with details on what kind of sofware is it about...

1. Donantions (add a pal pal link).

2. Up-sells:
a. Have a paid version thats got a few more bits.
b. Charge to install it.
c. Have paid plug-ins such as themes. Just like wp. It has paid and free plug-ins.
d. Charge for other softwear on your site.
e. Charge for customizing the softwear.
f. Charge for an add-free version or a version without your web address on it.

3. Goodies. Such as t-shirts and so on.

4. Have an 'app store' so if others add softwear that they want to charge for they sell it via your site.

If it is for themes and plugins then a 'club' type setup - Something like WooThemes - There stuff is (possibly was) all open source - They tried to keep that a bit of a secret and you joined a 'premium' club with support and access to extra bonuses etc - It is set up in such a way it seems like you are buying the theme...

Lots of sites do it.....

Here is a good link:

http://wordpress.org/themes/commercial/