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The only problem I have with this article is that Zed assumes that the software is given away for free. You can charge whatever amount you like for GPL software
by omouse 17y ago
The only problem I have with this article is that Zed assumes that the software is given away for free. You can charge whatever amount you like for GPL software, it's just that a lot of developers feel bad about asking for $$ like that.
- boucher 17y agoIt's true that you can charge for GPL software. It's just not a particularly good strategy. Because invariably, that software will wind up easily accessible on the Internet for free, maybe even with a higher page rank than your own page. That's why companies typically dual license or charge for support with GPL software.
- blasdel 17y agoFor an example, see the hilarity of when Sveasoft tried to sell subscription access to GPL linux router firmwares -- it actually worked for a little while when they were the only game in town, but quickly disintegrated. Eventually they just started ripping off OpenWRT and died.