It runs a mailing list for each product. A product manager is hired to run the list and keep a website current. A bug list is maintained and is publicly visible. A current top-10 desired feature list is maintained, and the product manager is compensated according to his or her performance at delivering the requested fixes or improvements. Programmers are paid for putting features into the software.
Money flows into the company from users.
The company is initially capitalized by a public offering. Users pay for stock. Users also pay money to be part of the community. Money is paid for every message delivered to the community. And money is paid to use the software.