Even Linux is moving to a licenced platform for its latest incarnations. I
have seen a lot of software move this way lately. An originally open source
or free project matures to such an extent that it demands more of the core
programmers than can be done on a free basis. The real contributors still
have access to the source but the 'hangers on' get a real product at a
reasonable cost and businesses grow out of the supply and support of the
products.

It's just an alternative business model. A programmer believes he can do it
better and to drive the development he offers his product for free. The
early adopters allow him to develop to a solid application and then he can
start charging.

Ian


"Henryk Birecki" wrote in message
...
Andy Blackburn wrote:

Actually, my (mis)infomation on non-commercial software
comes from extensive research in Open Source community
motivations and behaviors, including survey research
of several thousand Open Source developers. I think
facts normally trump opinions/anecdotes.


Well, that is actually rather pompous. What facts?

Henryk Birecki