-------- Original Message --------
From: andrew wilson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Fri 08 Jun 2007 11:42:33 EST

> I thank you in advance for your attention to this. After loading the
> OpenOffice 2.0 software that my wife purchased for $19.99, I noticed
> on your website that a Free download is offered.  Since the software 
> was already opened, it was now nonreturnable to the retailer.  The
> issue may be obvious: why should I buy it if you offer your product
> for free?  I am more than willing to send you, the manufacturer,  the
> opened software along with the sales receipt in order to get my money
> back.  Again, I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. 
> Thank you, Andrew k. Wilson

Firstly, you need to understand that OOo (OpenOffice.org) is not a
company, it is a community open source software development project. For
an explanation about the general principals of "open source" see this
page:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source

Details about the LGPL licence under which OOo is distributed can be
found here: http://www.openoffice.org/license.html which links to
http://www.openoffice.org/licenses/lgpl_license.html

As you will see from this licence, anyone can freely download and
distribute the software, even sell it. In fact there is a page on the
OOo website  http://distribution.openoffice.org/cdrom/index.htm which
provides links to a number of suggested "distributors" who can provide
the software on CD. This is intended as a service for those people who
have a slow or expensive Internet connection. Normally, these
"distributors" charge a nominal fee to cover cost of materials and
distribution. Some even make a small "profit", which they donate to
charity or contribute to "open source" development projects such as OOo.

From the above you will understand that the OOo project has no direct
control over who or how the software is redistributed. Ignoring the fact
that the OOo project did not receive any revenue from your purchase, no
mechanism exists by which your money could be refunded. This is an issue
you will have to pursue with the organisation/individual who sold you
the media containing this software.

It is unfortunate that you didn't search the Internet for information
about OpenOffice, before you made your purchase. As a small consolation,
you now know that the OOo software can be downloaded for free and you
will never have to pay anyone for future upgrades.

Please note: This is my own personal view on this matter and does not
represent any formal or official statement by or for the OOo project.

Dave
-- 
This is a mailing list which exists to support users of OpenOffice.org
All answers are given by other users who volunteer their time.
If you are not subscribed to this mailing list you may not see all the
replies to your query. Please reply to [email protected] only and
include some indication that you are not subscribed to this list.
(eg. "I am not subscribed to this list, please CC: me.")

For on-line support see: http://support.openoffice.org/index.html
For a knowledge base see: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/

Attachment: signature.asc
Description: OpenPGP digital signature

Reply via email to