Why giving away the software might be the best solution

We’re considering differentiating our product in the one way that really makes sense for us: giving it away.

The desktop version would be completely free: - fully customizable, - local-first, - and with the ability to plug in your own AI API keys. ... No forced cloud, no lock-in.

Our thinking is that most competitors can’t or won’t do this. Instead of monetizing access to the core product, we’d grow through optional plug-and-play integrations (20% markup), plus collaboration and cloud features for teams.

The goal is simple: we want people to actually use the software.

Genuinely curious what HN thinks... Is this something you’d use? Is this a sane model, or a terrible idea?