Holding code ransom?

[mouser]

Editorial Imagine the following situation: A collection of computer users draw up a wishlist of software they'd really like to see developed. These end users then begin to donate money to projects that they'd individually like to see appear. A programmer then goes about creating an item from the list that has donations attached to it. Once the project is complete and enough money has been raised, the author can collect the cash and release the software. Finished code is withheld until enough money has been donated.

http://www.drobe.co.uk/riscos/artifact1524.html

[link from osnews.com]

[jgpaiva]

I guess that's a nice concept, but it just generates one bad possibility:
It's the only market system where the consumer (ie, the donator) gives the money before seeing the end product...
For me, it would be easier the system used in donationcoder, it works exactly the opposite way, if the software is good, you donate, if you don't like it, you go elsewhere...
But from the developer's point of view, the "code ransom" system, just might be a better system, like that, the developer is sure to get the money before he put's himself to work.
IMO, the dc's system is the one that gives more trust to the donator (that, in the end, is the one that pays ), possibly it's the best system.
(or maybe a sort of hybrid system? don't know..)

[Rover]

IMO, the dc's system is the one that gives more trust to the donator (that, in the end, is the one that pays ), possibly it's the best system.
(or maybe a sort of hybrid system? don't know..)

Good point!    DC is good.

[Carol Haynes]

Isn't mouser using a similar system for SMF/Wiki combine login mod project ?? (Well sort of)