Sources are free, binaries for money

    Open source developer Bryan Lunduke came up with an interesting Open Source monetization model. It completely removes a page from the site with links to program distributions. Moreover, all programs are available under the GPL in the form of source codes, and anyone can take and compile them.

    Those users who transfer a voluntary donation (Donate button) will automatically receive a “magic” letter with direct links to executable files, libraries and installers. It seems that this way of distributing free software does not contradict the GPL.

    There is something in this idea of ​​an “official” compiled module. Still, it’s nice to get the file directly from the author, and not to do it yourself, and why not help a good person with money.

    The scheme has an additional bonus: Windows users will learn how to compile files from source, because many of them have not done this before, and new knowledge is always useful.

    At the same time, the author absolutely does not mind if other users create their own packages and distribute them on their behalf, especially since the license allows it.

    In addition to introducing the idea of ​​“binaries for money”, at the end of each month, Brian will publish an “honorary list” of all those who donated - this is a standard practice, it would seem that you can’t think of anything innovative here. But in this case, the author allows you to insert with the name an active hyperlink to your site, so that accepting donations is equivalent to selling links (SEO). Also an interesting move. If someone does not know, then placing a link to your site on the pages of an authoritative resource, you can slightly raise your site in the search engine Google / Yandex / etc.

    about the author
    Bryan Lunduke is the author of the visual framework Illumination Software Creator, a dedicated Linux user, an indie game developer, writer, podcast and comic book author.

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