In a sense, companies that offer developers a salary plus equity or stock options are doing something similar. You get a certain amount up front, which is not

In a sense, companies that offer developers a salary plus equity or stock options are doing something similar. You get a certain amount up front, which is not contingent on the company's success (i.e., you get to keep your paycheck even if the business eventually goes belly-up), plus the possibility of more if the company does very well. Other industries do this, too. When I was offered a book deal, I was given an advance, which was not contingent on sales. But, if I my book sells past a certain threshold, I'll start earning more royalties. (So please, buy a couple dozen copies.) In fact, any business that offers a base salary plus some sort of additional compensation if certain targets are met (e.g. bonuses) are following this sort of model. Edit: Now that I think about it, all the photogs are doing by charging based on circulation is a version of per-user licensing. Only unlike in software, the "users" are the people who see the advertisement.