I have an idea to listen to what the Linux community needs and to create some simple applications for it.
Basically, I would start off with one of the most popular Linux distros at the moment, and create a couple of simple apps that seem to be highly wanted by the community. Once I'd created the software, I would release it for free to the community and allow them to continue their development.
Then, I would create a website where I would share a couple of ideas I have and allow the community to vote for which ideas should I focus on first, and listen to the feedback. I would consider both donations and free votes. Donations would have a higher impact on me of course, so the community could compete with each other to select which idea is needed the most.
Later on, I would expand to other distros and desktop environments and possibly even hire a small team to help me out.
Once I receive my first donations, I would upgrade my equipment (buy a new laptop, upgrade my Internet connection, make some small changes to my work environment) and then I would try to receive monthly donations so I could work full time on those ideas.
I would regularly blog about my ideas, share my progress (possibly even record videos or livestream as I code) and be constantly in contact with my donators.
Am I crazy for thinking that something like this could theoretically work? Am I missing something? If this project fails and I decide to do something else, would this look good on my resume? I mean, I would not really be employed in any company and I would not really consider this as a startup. It's just a quick way to make money and start my career as a software developer. I think that this could be considered more valuable to the potential job recruiters than a normal internship would, but I wanted to hear opinions from more experienced software developers.
It's just a quick way to make money
Oh no it isn't. Expect years to pass before you are at the point of possibly receiving donations. Your idea sounds well thought out, but naïve. Even if you are able to provide software that no one else is, it could take years to draw the attention of 'the community'. You can't just make some software and a website and expect an automatic following.