Hi,

Just a post to say that open source doesn't keep you from selling stuff. I bought my printrbot because it was open source. I won't buy your product because it is closed source.

A lot of people here can understand how you did something, and could potentially reproduce your machine using your plans. However, very few will do so. If one is interested in making his own machine, he'll either design his, or find another open design. Hence, no sale, if your design is closed or open. However, people who understand and can replicate your build from the plans may want to rely on YOUR expertise with YOUR design to have a well built one. You are the most renowed expert for this specific machine, so you are the source for a quality built open design.

Knowing that it is open, people can buy it, hack it and provide mods that you could incorporate in future releases. Other people would see a community around your project, and think, "hey, people are buying this, there must be a reason. And if i have a problem, someone else may have a solution". 

As a hacker, i care more for an open product with some flaws, but a community around it, with solution, than for a "perfect product", with no community around, no way to repair or mod my product, and no idea of where to investigate when the product reveals to be not so perfect.

Considering that this machine cost some money (i don't say you are expensive compared to other similar products, it seems to be low priced, on the contrary, but 1K$ is still a good amount of money), it's not something i'd buy overlooking this. For a 10$ gadget i may not care so much (although i would pay 20$ to have an open version of it), but for 1K, it's a show stopper for me.

At least, you may provide plans to the buyers?

Well, thanks for the comment. 

There is going to be a plans only version of this with a full BOM with multiple sources so we can grant you are getting what you should. + a drawing of every custom parts so you can reproduce it. + The controler itself as it will remain closed source. (People should not mess with this.)

And of course a B-I-Y kit and a ready built machine. Both of these come with the plans as an extra. 

You will be able to get the different addons physically or plans only. Or order specific parts only in case you have went too far with the hacking. 

There is two different controler available currently but these come preassembled. 

Any details? Plans, more pictures, etc?

I will add more pictures and details soon. Also plans will be available on my website in the near future if someone needs them. However this is not an open hardware project so... 

What is your motivation to keep the project closed-source? Do you want to sell it?

Yes, we are selling it. 

Just a thought--open-source stuff can be sold and be profitable too. That's what Hackaday is all about. Might be worth considering--you might have more trouble getting folks around here excited about a closed-source project.