Merge pull request #268 from wp-cli/big-question

Big question

Author: danielbachhuber

_posts/2016-12-12-the-big-question.md

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+---
+layout: post
+author: danielbachhuber
+title: How much is WP-CLI worth to you?
+---
+
+Last week, I [tweeted](https://twitter.com/danielbachhuber/status/806539537610481664):
+
+> At a decision point with @wpcli: it’s too large for me to voluntarily maintain. Have an opinion on its future? I’d love to chat.
+
+Last February, I started a business, [runcommand](https://runcommand.io/), as an indirect way of being able to invest my time into WP-CLI. The business is doing alright, not great but not horrible. What I've come to realize, though, is that my time is zero-sum. I'm incentivized to spend time on runcommand, when I'd rather spend it on WP-CLI.
+
+Ultimately, the challenge I'm running into is opportunity cost. I'd *love* to be able to invest more into WP-CLI, but doing so comes at the cost of other business pursuits. Because WP-CLI is such a large project, the several hours I volunteer each week are basically enough to fight entropy — not make headway on larger initiatives.
+
+The response to my tweet has been overwhelmingly supportive. One future I'm considering is directly commercializing WP-CLI, through patreon-esque membership, advertising on the website, and other ideas to be determined.
+
+So, dear reader, a question: how much is WP-CLI worth to you?
+
+* [$20,000/year](https://runcommand.memberful.com/checkout?plan=17530)
+* [$7,500/year](https://runcommand.memberful.com/checkout?plan=17529)
+* [$1,500/year](https://runcommand.memberful.com/checkout?plan=17528)
+* [$500/year](https://runcommand.memberful.com/checkout?plan=17527)
+* [$100/year](https://runcommand.memberful.com/checkout?plan=17526)
+
+Or, phrased another way, how much time does WP-CLI save you?
+
+If the experiment goes well, then we're in business! Your purchase will support ongoing maintenance of WP-CLI, as well as development of new commands like [wp doctor](https://runcommand.io/wp/doctor/) and [wp profile](https://runcommand.io/wp/profile/), [improvements to the website and package index](http://wp-cli.org/docs/wish-list/), and so on.
+
+If the experiment doesn't go well, then at least I can say I tried :) I'll refund everyone's money, and decide what plan B is.
+
+Happy to take any questions you might have: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). I'll keep the list below updated as new questions come in.
+
+*How much money do you want to see to consider this a success?*
+
+I have a number, but I'm not going to share it. I want to see if this is a viable approach for funding a for-profit business.
+
+*What if I want to pay a different amount?*
+
+[Email me](mailto:[email protected]), and I'll create a purchase link for you.
+
+*Do I get anything special for paying the amount I paid?*
+
+Nothing upfront — this is a pure leap of faith.
+
+I have some ideas in mind for bonuses at different levels, including access to a members-only support forum, feature prioritization, etc.
+
+*Do I need to keep paying after I pay the first time?*
+
+Well, if everyone cancels, then the business will tank :)
+
+All levels are billed annually unless you disable automatic renewal.
+
+*What if I'm an existing runcommand customer?*
+
+If the experiment goes well, then `wp doctor` and `wp profile` will become completely open source. I'll reach out about the other aspects of your purchase.
+
+*What about scribu and Andreas?*
+
+I've been talking with them a bit. We're all very interested to see how this plays out.