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Software For Ransom
rbp writes "I just received a message from Adam Theo on the Jabber Developers Mailing List about what he calls "The Ransom Model" for software publishing. The principle, according to the above linked site, is that the "rights to the source code remain restricted until a set amount of money is collected or a set date passes, at which point the code is freed". Seems like a very interesting way to make money and produce free software. I think it's worth discussion. Take a look at the Ransom Model webpage and join the Ransom mailing list! (You might also be interested in recent news about Blender)"
Reader Apreche adds a link to a Freshmeat editorial piece which draws on Theo's idea, writing "This has some obvious problems, but it is worth discussing. The biggest problem I see is where vaporware fits into the equation."
i've got the money. please just don't hurt her!
oh, sorry, thought you were someone else.
/usr/bin/awake/too/long
I'm gonna blow away the code!"
"No, man. You do *not* want to take this to the next level..."
1: Write Code
2: ???
3: Profit!
Folks, Ransom is when you kidnap someone against their will, and ask for money to return them. Kidnapping is a crime. And so is Terrorism, the worst possible crime our nation faces today.
Do you really want to support kidnappers and terrorists?
I suggest avoiding this "terror-ware" and sticking with the only quality source of software in this country: Microsoft Corporation.
If Microsoft wasn't the best, why do 97% of all new computer buyers choose Windows when they buy a new PC? And MS doesn't need to resort to underhanded terrorist methods to make the sale.
Free software is like marijuana: sure, it feels good a first, but think of the family that had to die so you could have it.
I hope you keep this in mind.
It surprises me just how often tech people seem to switch "boats" and embrace something totally different from what they used to champion.
Yeah, I think it's called learning. I've never understood it either.
Gangsta code brokers..
.c files now, half now, half later... thens ya gets the .h files and the configure script.. donts be trying anything funny eh Jimmy?"
"Ya see Jimmy, ya gets the
Heh..
-- If at first you don't succeed, lie!
"Give me back my code!"
I wish there was some there was some way that I could be outside playing basketball, in the rain, and not get wet.
They'd definitely be feelin' the Ransom love.
Yeah man, with a name like that people will think it's some sort of porno incest license.
When the source code is released, will it come in the mail with no return address and spelled out in individual letters clipped from the newspaper? If so, where are they going to find enough semicolons?
...wearing a skin-tight topless leather jumpsuit, with cutaway buttocks and transparent crotch panel.
be written by pasting different sized letters cut out from a newspaper onto typing paper?
Cake or Death? Cake Please!