1. Posted by trav on Sat, 17 May 2008 23:34:44

    and perhaps people will set up websites like some of the authors have done and ask for donations. I have a big curious or three.

    Do they ever get much money? Say enough to maintain a web site if required, or buy that next big old graphics card or new zuper box?

    And then what about the dreaded IRS? How do you set that up? Is it a business? Is your computer room an office, do you write off your computer etc? Or do you call those donations gifts on your 1040? I don't know if I would want to have to deal with the new, kinder and gentler, IRS. Know what I mean?

    Just wondering is all.

  2. Posted by Gazmik on Sat, 17 May 2008 23:34:44

    and perhaps people will set up websites like some of the authors have done and ask for donations. I have a big curious or three.

    Do they ever get much money? Say enough to maintain a web site if required, or buy that next big old graphics card or new zuper box?

    Don't go into it expecting to get rich quick (or pay the rent). But if your addons are even moderately popular, it's a nice bit of extra change on the side. I don't keep close tabs on it, but I think Fizzwidget Industries might have paid for a computer upgrade by now... it's definitely paid for several years' worth of WoW subscriptions and expansions.

    And then what about the dreaded IRS? How do you set that up? Is it a business? Is your computer room an office, do you write off your computer etc? Or do you call those donations gifts on your 1040? I don't know if I would want to have to deal with the new, kinder and gentler, IRS. Know what I mean?

    You shouldn't need to register as a business -- it can be filed as self-employment income (and you only need to report that to the Feds if it's more than several hundred in one year, IIRC). But I'm neither a lawyer nor a certified tax pro, so don't take this as guaranteed advice.

  3. Posted by trav on Sat, 17 May 2008 23:34:44

    Well, I know that I have donated to Fizzwidget Industries and Auctioneer at least once along with several others. It got me to thinking, not that I ever anticipate getting into that level, but I did wonder about Uncle Sugar. I have seen him really mess with people, Start-up Engineers in particular.