Topic: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

Looking thru all of the cool projects here, it seems like there are too many projects that took tons of effort, sitting in attics. Or they're being used by the project designer, but no-one else can benefit from the designer's hard work. A lot of people would love to try some of the projects you've come up with, but they're not sure where to start.

Here's what I'm proposing;

-  I'll keep a stock of the most useful components (passives, IC's, etc). I'll also keep stock of several 'generic' project PCB's.
-  You come up with a cool project using these components, Or modify a project you've already done. Once you've got it done, send me your source code / design and a Howto.
-  I'll publish your projects on my site, and I'll market my site to drive hobbyists. I'll spend real money marketing it, driving traffic so that thousands of folks will visit and check out your projects.

Here's the best part; If a visitor thinks your project looks fun, they can order the materials to build it.  We'll take care of shipping, inventory, payment processing, etc, and share the revenue with you!  Imagine if your hobby paid some bills instead of making them! And all you have to do is write up a 2 or 3 page 'How I did it' and share your code.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Chumby projects not required!  All of your great projects or project ideas are welcome.  There are two ways to get involved;

If you're thinking of doing a project

Go to the website and submit a brief description and a Bill of Materials (BOM). The BOM is the most important. Once I've collected enough BOM's, I'll build an initial component inventory for projects.  You don't have to have already completed the project, ideas are fine. 

The only way to make this project viable is to limit inventory depth. By submitting projects now, I'll be able to build an inventory that will best support your ideas.  And I'll give your project priority listing when the site launches.

Thinking of a project you'd like to buy?

Visit the website and drop me a note. I'll collect project ideas and see if any designer are interested building it (or chase down a designer who already did).

My goal is to let other folks enjoy your awesome projects and appreciate your work. You'll also be able to make some money with your hobby, too. All feedback is appreciated!



The website is www.gadgetgangster.com.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

As an alternative, check out Open Circuits where people submit their open hardware projects.  It's a lot easier to collaborate when the circuits are open.

wayn3w

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

That's not a bad suggestion.  I'll also publish the source code & designs.  The improvement I offer is that if a hobbyist would like to order the stuff needed to build the project, they could do so from me.

I see a lot of cool projects on the internet, but trying to find all the parts to make it can sometimes be a pain  (why can't Jameco or Newark have a 'share a shopping list' feature???).  If a designer decides to publish their project on my site, they'll also get paid.

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

Thought about this a little more;

My initial thought is to keep the entire site open source - publish a project and the source code is available to anyone who visits the site.  That way, it's a resource for everyone and it drives more traffic.  And I think that once someone tries to source all the components for your project, they'll see the value of just ordering the materials from me (& I split revenue with the designer).

All in all, it's a great offer for designers - share the BOM & code for your personal project & I'll spend money trying to sell it (and split sales).  For the developer there's no inventory, no fulfillment, no payment processing - no risks.  But how many designers won't participate if there's no option to share the project under a non gpl license?

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

Hey all;
I'm getting close to launch.  So far, I've received a crapload of project submissions from the instructables forums, the Make Magazine group, Parallax folks, and others.  Only saw a few projects from Chumby folks.  Not that creative wink ? I've also collected project submissions to put together a combined inventory.  Inventory is here.  If you're interested in publishing a project, take a look at the inventory to make sure what you need is on there.  If it's not, just drop me a note, and I'll see if I can't get it on. 

Latest comp of the site!  I think the designer did a good job with the mast & logo
http://www.gadgetgangster.com/Screenshot.png

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

We're now accepting project submissions and Designer signups!

Just go to www.gadgetgangster.com and click on 'Share your project'. You can sign up as a designer, pick up a Designers Pack, & post your project.

The plan is to accept project submissions for 3 or 4 weeks & begin marketing to builders at the begining of November. We've booked media placements to support the launch and we'll also be showing off your projects at the SF Maker's Faire.

The site is still a W.I.P., and will be until we launch for Builders; just let me know if you have any problems, and don't be surprised if parts of the site change between now and November.

If aren't already familiar with Gadget Gangster, designers can post any electronics project using our inventory of components, and builders can order the parts required for your project from us - We share 20% of sales with the designer. More info is on our site - www.gadgetgangster.com.

Our support forums won't be up until November, so you can send feedback straight to me (nick *at* Gadgetgangster.com) or reply to this thread.


Nick

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

We've been running a design contest - A fair number of entrants so far.  If you have a design, you can still submit it and enter!  More info on the contest is here

So far, here are the entrants I have (in random order);

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/79_rssthumb.jpgNoiseAxe - Minisynth

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/81_rssthumb.jpgCentimani Servo Power Board

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/82_rssthumb.jpgNaughty Cricket

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/77_rssthumb.jpgRemote Control Tester

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/66_rssthumb.jpgCylon Lights

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/69_rssthumb.jpgLCD Computer Display - Parallel

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/80_rssthumb.jpgDigital Logic Probe

http://www.gadgetgangster.com/scripts/thumbs/pic/78_rssthumb.jpgFuel Injector Pulse Width Tester

Pretty good stuff!  Of course, if you'd like to share your project, you can sign up on the site.

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

This is getting to be borderline spam and not chumby related.

9 (edited by nmcclana 2009-02-04 12:29:55)

Re: Get Paid for your Chumby Hardware Projects

That's fair - I did make a call for chumby related projects, but no submissions yet.  Of course, if you'd like to share a chumby related project, you can put one up smile

Also, the Winners of the Designer Contest have been announced!  You can see the winners and find out about our second promotion here.

Want to see a cool project? check out my projects on Gadget Gangster