Ask Slashdot: Making Side-Money As a Programmer?

earlzdotnet writes "I've been programming for a few years now, and I have a full time job. I'm one of those lucky souls that actually enjoy programming, so I commonly work on my own open source projects on weekends. However, I wouldn't mind working on a short-term projects (i.e. not more than ~2 months) every once in a while on weekends. I've looked at freelancing before, and I could probably make more money by working at McDonald's on weekends than that. I've also looked into making web sites for small businesses, but it requires a bit too much commitment and support for me, especially since I'm terrible at graphics design. I've tried my hand at writing reusable components to sell to other programmers, but that was pretty pointless (I made one $20 sale). I've seen teaching suggested, but I'm self-taught and probably not experienced enough to responsibly teach people. Are there any other options to make a bit of cash as a programmer? Is programming just one of those things that requires complete dedication, or what?"

Write your own

[hivebrain]

There's always room for another bug tracking app.

Re:App Store

[Anonymous Coward]

Or, you could buy a lottery ticket.

Wait. You get paid?

[macbeth66]

I am doing this all wrong.

Botnet?

[MarkGriz]

Botnet programming can be quite lucrative, but I hear FPMITA prison is a real bitch.

Re:Read your employment contract for conflict

[Anonymous Coward]

Does your employer offer any incentives to contribute extra work?

Wow, I just can't stop laughing at this one ... please go on ...

Re:I've had a great experience making mobile apps

[pla]

and sales on BlackBerry 10 are already more than they were on PlayBook.

LOL... Silly shill, that would require them to actually have customers to target with your app. But tell me - How much does plugging for Rim pay these days?

Re:Read your employment contract for conflict

[HaZardman27]

Do you perhaps work in the Deep South during the early 1800's?

Re:Write your own

[mk1004]

Well, at least finding the thirteen virgins on /. shouldn't be too difficult.

Re:What about ...

[earlzdotnet]

Once someone offhand asked me if I could write something like that quickbooks has(managing rental properties). I said "probably for the subset of it that you need, but it'd take a lot of time." And then he said "Could you do it for under $100? Quickbooks is too expensive for me to buy." Literal facepalm.