Hi Mike. I have mixed feelings about payware & would NEVER pay for any aircraft or scenery - no matter how good it might be. Before thinking of offering your work for sale here's 2 things to consider.

First -  Payware addons would have to be excellent quality (better than similar freeware examples) & something not readily available.

Secondly - Technically at least, you should use the commercial versions of applications like Photoshop/PSP etc. Also purchase licences or have written permission from the authors of any freeware FS utilities used for creating your files. I'm not aware of any such restrictions for Gmax itself. As with everything else, read the EULA carefully.

EULA = End User Licence Agreement. Most people ignore it but you're supposed to read the EULA & agree to the terms before installing/using all software.

I don't know which scenery design programs you're using for your project. Gmax might be OK but check out the EULA carefully first. Airport & FSSC are both strictly Freeware with the usual restrictions.

MikeT,

The "development" package used thing is a subtle but real thing you have to look at.  The EULA stuff pretty much noone reads when they click that "I accept" checkbox...... but for some software it DOES limit using it for commercial activities.

Your "issues" that have to be researched include everything from the sound file to the texture files.  Most of those out in circulation are either "restricted" to freeware issues....... or are copyrighted material that is owned by someone.  One version you can't use... and the other you need to secure permissions (and likely royalty agreements) to use.

With all this complication, it is easy to see why a complex addon plane can sell for $40 when all is said and done.

Interestingly as an example, some "home" video editing packages do NOT let you use them to develop any commercial release stuff without contacting them and getting their approval.  Then when you contact them...... they want a "piece of the action" ....... as in royalties.

Then there is the issue of if your software screws up someone's machine  .  You open yourself to potential liability.... even if your EULA says you are not responsible.  In the end, you might NOT be..... but the legal fees fighting it to that "win" point could be a tidy sum.  I am a professional handcraft potter..... and I carry $2 mil in product liability insurance.  It's a crazy world out there. 

Remember .... you are going up against a field filled with ardent and dedicated hobbyists, many of whom have GREAT technical and programming skills.  They can and WILL issue similar products to whatever you come up with as freeware.  That is your competition.

It is hard to compete for sales against "free".  You'll need a real trump card that no-one else has.... and that competitive "edge" will fade as soon as you release it as freeware developers see it and issue similar stuff.


All that being said........ I just don't "get" the negative reaction that seems to revolve around "payware" with many in the flight sim community.  After all....... we all paid for the hardware to run it.... and we paid for the simulator itself..... so what's the big deal?  No one is forcing anyone to buy it.

Anyway...... going "pro" involves a lot more than just charging for your work.  One big one is testing to see if the product is "commercially viable"....... as in .... will there actually BE a profit in this?  Write the business plan first.


best,

....................john