I wrote a script that automatically ensures WordPress, including theme & plugins, stays up-to-date and unmodified. Disabled plugins get removed, as well as any unused themes, except one original WP theme as fallback. In many cases the script is capable of restoring a website’s functionality if it was already infected with malware, and sometimes even clears up a malware infection entirely. It can be set to notify the user by email whenever it had to make any changes. Sadly, it (currently) doesn’t work properly with premium plugins/themes that cannot be updated using the regular update method.
I’m a big supporter of open-source software and would love to release it as such, to make sure as many sites as possible are maintained & kept secure automatically. However, my current job barely pays me more than I need to stay afloat, since I have to pay back a study loan of ten thousands of euros, so I’m trying to determine what a reasonable approach would be. I would prefer not to charge for something that could otherwise benefit a lot more people, but I’ve come to learn that in a commercial society, it’s foolish to ignore the time and effort you invest in something.
That being said, I’d like to ask a few questions here, since the WordPress community would be the target audience if I were to release this. I’ll keep it brief and organized by asking my questions point-by-point:
* Would there actually be interest in such a script?
* Do people ever use “Donate” buttons on websites of free software?
* Does anyone have experience with such donations, and if so, how much did that (roughly) make you per download?
* How much would be a reasonable price if I **were** to monetize it?
* Do you have any suggestions on a different approach that both me and as many other people as possible can benefit from?
If anyone’s capable & willing to answer any of these questions, I thank you in advance! \
And to those who can’t/won’t answer any questions, I thank you for your time 🙂