Should I approach Software Developer?

Have any of you done this: Contact a software developer about his/her product and offer to create/produce a complimentary product?

I'm a newbie. Made my 1st site less than a year ago. There is one software product that I use daily and it's really big in it's field. There are only a few to begin with, but this one is in the mid-range (price) and it's rock solid. All the features you need, customizable, etc. And Develpr is on top of security upgrades.

Here's the problem: SHITTY cust svc. I personally have a love/hate relationship with the sw because of the funky-assed attitude of the owner/developer. The sw comes with NO documentation, NO instructions, and NO friggin support other than a forum in which damn near nobody participates because the owner/developr either ignores you, insults you, or suggests you pay $$$ for his company to do the work for you.

I've attempted to contact the develpr on several occasions but to no avail -- the only support I've gotten has been from OTHER USERS who have been kind enough to respond to my personal pleas for help (I have hunted down users with similar issues and begged them for their solutions to problems) ***These were LEGITIMATE ISSUES, not stupid questions/requests

I also have a list of site-owners who use the software in ways that I'd like to incorporate it and I've successfully emailed these kind soles with questions as well.

Anyhow, I have more than enough info to write an instruction manual for this product. I'm considering the following options:
1. Become an affiliate and give away the manual with purchase from me.
2. Sell the manual on it's own (maybe in addition to #1)
3. Approach the develpr and try to sell it to him -- I cringe at the thought of this since he's such an ass --- but then, maybe he's just frustrated and would welcome having this manual to help alleviate all the questions, etc. Why he hasn't created one so far is beyond me...

Anybody successfully done any of this? Can I get a guestimate as to how much this should cost if I should outsource this? Where is the best place to go for such outsourcing?

Thanks!

I think #1 is the best option for you.

what software are you talking about?

Man I sized up your post right away....

You have already clearly stated that the guy is douche.

First off - let me back up - I HAVE and WOULD approach anyone where I saw a need for improvement or possible business relationship. I have in fact done this time and time again. I am an opportunist.

Now... if the guy is an asshole and the CS sucks - he will ultimately fail anyway.

Options: I wouldn't just say this for any old reason. If you like the product or really see a need for it, look into a development house or other programmers to make it better and compete with him. Don't be overwhelmed by that process it can be very affordable. If need do your homework and look for financial backing/investors.

I certainly at this point would not offer YOUR documentation for his product - particularly when he doesn't care and would probably, in the end just rip the documentation that YOU wrote and use as his own. What would you do? Complain? It's his soft.

Become an affiliate ? Why? Again , your not building a very good case for this. Sounds like a waste of time. I am saying this because it's very very easy for me to see this as an 'outsider' - I have been in many of these situations. Better to run your own show. If you can't do your own product, find a competing product that is better or has better CS and people behind it. SUPPORT THAT ONE and see what kind of relationship you can make. It just makes much more sense.

You will spin your wheels and get nowhere working with/for assholes.

Good Luck

designer,

Thank you! I kept going around and around --- but you were right on the money with this one! I'm currently looking at bids from programmers, and they're outside of my budget right now... but I can see this becoming a reality in less than a year if I can secure the proper support team (I hate Cust Svc myself...it's just too draining). Thanks!