App.net Launches Backer (No fees for open source)

Over the weekend App.net announced a new service called Backer.

Here’s the good news for open source software makers wanting to poll their community and raise funds for a new project or feature. App.net has commited to not charge any fees on funds raised by credit card or bitcoin. Credit card processing costs still apply.

There’s an application process:

Projects will be vetted to ensure your Backer project runs alongside other high-quality, legitimate projects.

We think this could be a pretty cool way to fund open source projects. Not only can you put money into the hands of open source developers, but they will also know they’re working on something that people want.

Submit your application – applications for the first round of projects are open now.