Dilwyn Jones writes: > > One can make money with free software also, but by adding value instead > > of charging for the rigths over the binaries. > > > > "Added value" can be: > > - Distribution packages (Disk/CD/DVD) > > - Handbooks and documentation > > - Commercial support (e.g. for those who bought the package/docs) > > - Provide development for a donation (but the resulting code will be > > free) > > - A piece of hardware that uses the free software > > > > Nobody will gain a monopoly on such an "added value", because the > > software itself remains free. Nevertheless successful business around > > free software has proven to work, especially in the "embedded systems" > > market. It requires flexibility though. > > > > Even in the QL scene, selling "added value" for free software is not > > impossible. E.g. the "QDOS Classic/Q60 Linux CD" sold well, although the > > software was free and one could have also downloaded the contained > > pieces at no charge. Also developers of free QL software have been > > given donations. Such ideas came too faint and too late for the QL > > probably. > > > > Peter > I don't always agree with what Peter says, but I think he makes his point > well here. This is certainly food for thought. > > I know myself having put most of my older programs onto my website for > free download, I still get people asking for copies on disk or CD or for > minor updates for their own needs for which they are willing to pay modest > amounts. > > I must admit, I'm seeing both sides of the viewpoints presented here > today. It will be very interesting to see how this dicussion develops.
Id go one better: The place to start, of course, is to make the Qx0 designs public and free so other people can develop and improve them, and in some cases, build their own. A "free" computer to run free software on. Just the thing. Per _______________________________________________ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
