Hi Ian, This is a great idea! While it's true that free and open source software (FOSS) are freely available for download on the internet, there is still a barrier or lack of accessibility for people who do not have fast internet connections. Having a physical location where people can conveniently go to and get their FOSS on a universally used medium (DVDs/CDs) will help promote the wider use of FOSS here. Charging a membership fee or a fee per burned CD is allowed (and even encouraged) because under the GPL and under most FOSS licenses these are considered permissible hand-holding fees or costs associated with providing additional support services to FOSS. Simply put, this business model seems to be in accord with the principles of FOSS.
Aside from getting the news out, let's all use the service to keep the business viable. Others may also want to copy the business model (which in the Philippines unlike the US cannot be patented) so FOSS use spreads faster. Lechon manok, anyone? Regards, Bong P.S. There's a risk though that "unsophisticated" and naive IP enforcement people might mistakenly try to raid or shut the store thinking that it's dealing in pirated software (they cannot fathom the idea of software that is free to copy and use). The key here is to put visible notices saying that the store only sells FOSS. In case there's ever a problem, just give me a holler and I can refer you to some individuals and groups who can assist. On 8/13/08, ian sison (mailing list) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > hehe... Kaya nga hindi ko pa ina-announce yung website eh.... > > Anyway, an 'under construction' image will certainly not hurt. Thanks > for the heads up. > > > On Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 11:48 PM, Rudel Saldivar > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Great idea but can you please tell the website admin to complete the >> Joomla >> installation before something happen....and the time is way off... >> >> www.burnfree.com.ph >> >> Joomla! 1.0.15 Stable [ Daytime ] 22 February 2008 23:00 UTC >> >> >> On Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 11:32 PM, ian sison (mailing list) >> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >>> >>> PLUGGERS - I'd like to announce a new service called 'BURNFREE' which >>> was recently launched in Market Market - right above the main >>> entrance. >>> >>> The store's main focus is FREE burning of DVD Slideshows of pictures, >>> but they also can burn for anyone any of the popular Linux >>> distributions available - and for now, that's the i386 and x86_64 >>> versions of Ubuntu, Xubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Debian, Mandriva, and >>> CentOS. [Yes, even the DVD media itself is free.] They will also >>> soon offer burning of public domain movies, music, and books. >>> >>> [OT] Windows User? They also carry OpenDisc >>> (http://www.theopendisc.com) which is a collection of high quality >>> open source applications for windows [OT] Those in the middle of >>> migrating their users to a Linux desktop should find this >>> 'distribution' really handy. >>> >>> The catch? You need to be a member to avail of this service. But >>> then, even that is also free. >>> >>> This service is supported by sponsors, so it would be good for the >>> community to patronize them as well, or help them get new ones - to >>> keep the free DVD burning service alive. They have 2 at the moment >>> (Cartridge World, and Tokyo Tokyo). >>> >>> This is not a shameless PLUG (pun not intended), this is definitely >>> something that can help the community, and after all, downloading 4GB >>> worth of your favorite distro is still no joke even at today's >>> broadband speeds. >>> >>> If your favorite distro is not part of the list, you can lobby for its >>> inclusion to JC Mercado at [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> Spread the word. It's not everyday one can get a deal like this. >>> >>> >>> Ian >>> _________________________________________________ >>> Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List >>> http://lists.linux.org.ph/mailman/listinfo/plug >>> Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph >> >> >> >> _________________________________________________ >> Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List >> http://lists.linux.org.ph/mailman/listinfo/plug >> Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph >> > _________________________________________________ > Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List > http://lists.linux.org.ph/mailman/listinfo/plug > Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph > -- ---------------------------------------------------- bong dizon law.norms.code http://lawnormscode.sync.ph _________________________________________________ Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List http://lists.linux.org.ph/mailman/listinfo/plug Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph
