I've spent 4 years as an independent developer writing a project planning app similar to Microsoft Project Portfolio Manager, but with a very fresh approach and interface. I'm a one man shop and considering making the app free with an iAd shown or $99 ad free. I'm guessing anyone who would ever think of doing project planning will download a free app out of curiosity and, if it's actually good, generate a bunch of impressions and maybe buy it, since the competition is pricey.
Also, I think most people are cheapskates and would consider the difference between free and $200 to be a chasm like the Grand Canyon.
Just how bad is my logic? Would you use a well-written productivity app with ads, by an unknown indie developer? How many hours of use would it take to make $99 with iAd? If I do freemium, I need to bring home a few thousand/month with iAd. Is that unrealistic, even with a high number of downloads?
Does iAd work for productivity apps or is it only for games and trivial utilities?
WIll iAd ever be available on the Mac? I've spent all year designing my iOS UI and porting because everyone says you can only make money on iOS. i want to ship for OS X too, but the business model *****.
Any guidance is appreciated.