I think you're getting hammered on this because you have a very money-centric way of looking at OSS. For some people, sharing code/knowledge is for fun, not mo

I think you're getting hammered on this because you have a very money-centric way of looking at OSS. For some people, sharing code/knowledge is for fun, not money. >If he tells me he can't do it at any price, then that means I can't rely on OSS as a pillar of my business. No one is asking you to make anything a "pillar of your business"! If you choose to, great - you should also think about arranging for some sort of support (either in-house devs, a company with expertise in the area, or some kind of arrangement with the author). You don't get to come along later and basically demand support in return for some cash. I think it's the "demand" part of your ethics code people have a problem with - "offer cash" or "ask nicely", folks will perhaps agree with. I love dogs and give away free puppies, and you take one no-strings-attached (express or implied). A year later your dog throws up in the backyard and you want me to drive over and clean it up for $100. No thanks. If you up the offer to $100K, I might do it. Heck, I'll clean out the cat litter box too. But that's nothing to do with the free puppy - if you offer $100K to anyone capable, they'll come by and clean it up too.