Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension?

Posted by kevinburke on Friday May 20, 2011 @05:43PM
from the ask-hn dept.

I've got an idea for a product and people willing to pay for it, but the only way to implement it is as a browser extension inside Gmail. Is there any way I can I sell the extension? If not, what are some other avenues I could use to make money?`

( 6 comments | 2 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension? by answerly on Friday May 20, 2011 @05:56PM (#2569570)

There was a great session at Google IO about developer success stories within the Google apps marketplace. It is well worth a watch if you are looking for ways to make money within Gmail (particularly if your product targets businesses/business users).

Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnW_Y9nRiEY

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Re:Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension? by kevinburke on Friday May 20, 2011 @09:00PM (#2569942)

Thanks very much!!!

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Re:Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension? by EECS on Saturday May 21, 2011 @01:44AM (#2570334)

There are several lifestyle projects (ie cashflow) that run solely as a plugin so yes, it can generate revenue. But most companies often run a plugin in conjunction with a website. It's rare for a company to be entirely nothing but a single plugin.

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Re:Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension? by kevinburke on Saturday May 21, 2011 @07:06AM (#2570662)

Agreed - this isn't a business so much as something that could generate cash on the side.

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Re:Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension? by there on Friday May 20, 2011 @05:43PM (#2569536)

sure, secretly track everyone's data and sell it.

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Re:Ask HN: Can you profit from a browser extension? by engtech on Friday May 20, 2011 @05:49PM (#2569554)

unless it's 1998 and the product is a pop-up blocker, no.

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