Alexander CobleighJul 10, 2023

I'm SUPER excited to announce the launch of Rad Reader! 🤩

A calm tool (OSX, Linux & Windows; 6MB & Electron-free!) for reading and following RSS feeds. I've been working on this for the past months during spare time and it's my first journey in making something polished enough to sell!

To celebrate its launch the price is reduced to 4.95 USD (34% off) for the rest of the week! If that feels like a lot, please try the free demo!!

Boosts very much appreciated!

📚 👉 https://cblgh.itch.io/rad-reader

Rad Reader by Alexander Cobleigh

a cross-platform RSS reader

itch.io
Show threadAlexander CobleighJul 10, 2023

On the philosophical side of things: with the release of Rad Reader I'm trying out a new model of sustainable software production.

This tool has had a lot of thought, time, and care put into it, I would like to continue doing so with this + other projects. Crafting tools is made possible by the food I eat and the shelter I habitate, and I can't pay for either of those with Github stars or toot likes.

Show threadAlexander CobleighJul 10, 2023

So the model I'm trying out with Rad Reader is this:

1. Release the software with a paid price
2. Common the software and its source code once a number of sales has been reached, converting it into free software in perpetuity from that moment on

I don't know how/if it will work out, but I *am* excited to explore new models of making ends meet while also making new software happen :)

Show threadjuulJul 10, 2023
@cblgh Interesting but how are you going to enforce the "open source at a certain number of purchases"? You'd need a contract with a trusted third party org to make the promise believable right? I'm not personally interested in installing non-open software but I'd put in a promise of $5 to be paid when enough other promises are made to cross a threshold, crowdfunding style.
Show threadAlexander Cobleigh

@juul the same way any social contract or promise works: i put my credibility and good will on the line

i'll note you down for 5 USD when/if it's free software ;)

Jul 11, 2023 at 6:23amWeb
Show threadjuulJul 12, 2023
@cblgh Ah, the "just trust me" approach to doing business.