Put the pitchforks and torches away; I think this could work. You see, if people are paying for something, even if it's a small amount, they may hold it in higher value than something they got for free. It gives them bragging rights so to speak: "I got a copy of Vista on sale!" "Oh yeah? I got a better operating system and I only spent 20 bucks!"
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lozz
16 years 17 weeks 4 hours 45 min ago
Filthy lucre
What a totally hideous idea. Free Software should never try beating M$ at its own game. We are what we are precisely because of our complete rejection of Microsoft's entire business-model. Once we start charging for each download of Free Software we will stop being who we are and start becoming just like they are. Look to M$-Novell for a graphic example of this degeneration.
aboutblank
16 years 16 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago
Selling Free Software is OK
You are confused about free software. Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. Software freedom includes the liberty to sell free software. It is acceptable to sell free software as long as it is conducted in an ethical manner. Proprietary software in all forms are unethical as they are designed to take away the freedom of the user. So when you want to sell free software, give the recipient their essential liberties along with the program. Do not subject anybody to the evils of proprietary software.