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That's quite true. Most normal people want a solution now. We're trying to mitigate that where we can; for instance a pledge is a 30-day commitment (rather th

That's quite true. Most normal people want a solution now. We're trying to mitigate that where we can; for instance a pledge is a 30-day commitment (rather than a perpetual one). If nothing satisfactory is released in that time, the money can be easily withdrawn. Regardless of what we do, there's going to be less "normal people" contributing to projects than the number of normal people actually using the stuff after it's gone through the process. Our hope here is that our search and drilldown options (and some other stuff in the works) will help the normal people find what they're looking for after it's released. We think "finding-the-right-software-for-X" is a big open problem, and we'd like to take a crack at it.

davidw 18y ago
> "finding-the-right-software-for-X" is a big open problem, That might make for a good site. Help connect people with open source software, and consultants who can assist them with it. For values of people where people == 'small businesses'.
tptacek 18y ago
Wait --- I have to actually pay money and then hope I get software? I don't think anybody is going to do this, Drew.
- theoneweasel 18y ago
  If a project isn't being completed to your satisfaction, you have the option to withdraw your money 30 days after you contributed it. Among other things, this gives developers incentive to complete projects and to complete them before you stop caring.
  - tptacek 18y ago
    There is a huge difference between paying money and getting it back, and promising money. I still don't see how this site is any better than any of the 100 freelance job sites out there now.
    - theoneweasel 18y ago
      The major difference between bitloot and sites like Rent A Coder is that we promote open-source software. With the OSS model, everyone benefits, not just the people who pay. We don't want to be Rent A Coder, that's a different market.
      - tptacek 18y ago
        But you can list open-source projects on RentACoder if you want.

davidw 18y ago

> "finding-the-right-software-for-X" is a big open problem, That might make for a good site. Help connect people with open source software, and consultants who can assist them with it. For values of people where people == 'small businesses'.

tptacek 18y ago

Wait --- I have to actually pay money and then hope I get software? I don't think anybody is going to do this, Drew.

theoneweasel 18y ago
If a project isn't being completed to your satisfaction, you have the option to withdraw your money 30 days after you contributed it. Among other things, this gives developers incentive to complete projects and to complete them before you stop caring.
- tptacek 18y ago
  There is a huge difference between paying money and getting it back, and promising money. I still don't see how this site is any better than any of the 100 freelance job sites out there now.
  - theoneweasel 18y ago
    The major difference between bitloot and sites like Rent A Coder is that we promote open-source software. With the OSS model, everyone benefits, not just the people who pay. We don't want to be Rent A Coder, that's a different market.
    - tptacek 18y ago
      But you can list open-source projects on RentACoder if you want.