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."

Comments

FP

[Anonymous Coward]

I love Naomi

First post!!!

[Hi Larry!]

Yeah, I'm a looser!

pirst fost

[Anonymous Coward]

i will release this post for 100,000 USD in small unmarked bills.

Did somebody said stupid?

[lems1]

The level of stupidity in SlashDot keeps rising...

Picture of naked pussy!!!

[Anonymous Coward]

here

I hate WinModems troll

[Anonymous Coward]

-1, Troll, yet healthy rant.
Trying to put together a Linux box. Cox cable won't admit that they don't want me using Linux, but every gambit to get the pig to work has failed.
So you pull out a USB modem, figuring that at least Earthlink still loves you and your honest interest in getting something to work, and the little Zoom gadget reveals itself to be 'controllerless'.
What would Jesus do?

Mt 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Thanks, boss. I'll keep the modem, because it still works for my LoseME box.
But does anyone else besides me think suspect that, beyond free market economics, that Maybe Someone Most Seriously Manipulates Systems? Monopoly, Suppose?

REJECTED SUBMISSION--PLEASE READ!

[Anonymous Coward]

I apologize for this off-topic posting which was submitted earlier to the Slashdot editors, but which was rejected yesterday, due to what I can only assume is slavish adherence by the /. editors to the same politically correct guidelines that are crippling public debate in every corner of the major news media. Now it appears as if the weblogs are headed down the same ruinous route.

I believe that this story is very much in line with the usual Slashdot fare, except that this story deals with hi-tech being used in a politically incorrect fashion.

I also believe that a public debate on the issues and actions discussed in this article is vital to the health of this country and indeed this very weblog, and so therefore I am posting this article here.

If you are an American citizen, of whatever race, who is concerned with the future of America--and with the future of Slashdot--then I ask you to MOD UP THIS POST so that other are more likely to read it.

Thank you.

This Wired News story tells the story of the hi-tech being used by a group of tech-savvy ranchers in Arizona is using military technology to monitor and apprehend illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico into the United States.

Members of the group have spiked their land with thousands of motion sensors. They also use infrared tracking devices, global positioning systems, night vision goggles, radar and other gear to survey movement near the border.

Go to the Wired News story for more...

Re:anyone seen trigger happy tv?

[jez9999]

That show's the biggest pile of shit i've ever seen. 5 seconds of the big mobile phone scene, and I switched over.