Same happens to me, I have many side projects that let me learn a lot! Check out my page http://g14n.info/software/ , in many of them I am my only user LOL, in many of them I really believe they could become a product or are really worth to keep working on.
I also would like to get money, with the goal to build more. I also still did not gain directly money, even if I could gain money indirectly, getting a better job, doing some paid project, get few invitations on conferences and events (with paid tickets / travel /accomodation ).
Definitely yes, finding people with different skills that collaborate could achieve a real product with real money… by now i arrived at the point that whatever I want to do, at my job place for example, or collaborating with others, I have already a project where I did something similar, so my productivity is high and also my ability is always on top.
So keep building, cause it is fun, we like it, and brings benefits… and maybe when you really do not expect, something will happen. Good luck!
