do you pay for free software?

[happybunny]

I was curious to know how many people are paying for their free software?

Weather it be going to the store and buying linux software off the shelf, or purchasing online to get CD's shipped to you, or by simply donating money (not time) to the cause.

Most peoples first reaction to why people use linux, is that it is free.

This of course can mean many things, but I'm sure there is plenty of software for linux that you are supposed to pay for, right? even though it seems to be readily availible without charge.

Additionally, when you do find a nice app that is free as in beer, do you donate to that company/person?

How much? If I find an app i like and i use (k3b), how much "should" i "donate" for it? Is sending 10bucks even worth it? Is it worth 30 bux to me to use? 50? I mine as well just use it for free then.

Just curious....

As for me, i recently purchased Crossover ($30) to run many MS apps on linux as my company is mostly MS 2000.

I don't think i came up with this quote first, as I'm not that clever, but :

Software worth using, is software worth paying for.

[Hmse]

For me it really depends on the sofware. Like, I won't hesitate at all to buy a linux distro--that is if I have the money. And the same goes for many apps.

And for me, it's not the linux being free part why I like linux. I like it for the way it's built and how it works. (Not the free part isn't a nice little feature;))

[trc]

Originally posted by happybunny
Is sending 10bucks even worth it?

definetly. any help is better than no help at all. free software programmers still have to spend just as much time and effort writing good apps as commercial programmers do.

[fatTrav]

when I get my first real job using my degrees (basically when I can afford to throw a few hundred bucks away -- something my Sears income doesn't allow) and make a middle-class income, I will donate some to various organizations (mozilla, gentoo, slackware, for example) in an attempt to say "thanks" and to help the developers and such out.

[Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379]

I do it very frequently, by purchasing boxed sets, and donations.

I've purchased box sets for Red Hat and FreeBSD. I've also recently bought Debian, Mandrake, and Slackware CDs. Also, I donated to Debian. All of this within the past year.

Which reminds me... as soon as the NetBSD handbook is in print, I'm scoring one of them, and I'd like to buy the updated version of the FreeBSD handbook, too.

[leonpmu]

When I find a distro I really like, I get a box set. At me previous job, I would ask my boss to buy my apps for me, and also a box set about twice a year, I personally have bought two box sets. And I have just ordered a Suse 9.2 upgrade box set.

I buy it because I feel it is worth it, when you consider that a SuSE box set costs me around Rs2000.00, and an MS windows license costs Rs6000.00, and I get all the apps in the world with it, it is defenitly worth it! Even my wife doesn't mind me buying a box set. She likes the packaging! (she is a graphic designer).

I think I read somewhere that that a box set of SuSE is like $60.00. Which really isn't much if you consider what you are getting, as apposed to just MS Office which is alone $200.00 :eek:


Please guys, if you can afford it (I know not all of us can, I couldn't before), at least try and donate something, even $10.00, the programmers have to eat too!!

[CoffeeMan]

I donated a good amount of money to Firefox and Gentoo. I think that they should all get a tip. Working for free doesn't mean they shouldn't pick up a few bucks here and there. I mean, you tip the Coffee people, right?

[cybertron]

Originally posted by fatTrav
when I get my first real job using my degrees (basically when I can afford to throw a few hundred bucks away -- something my Sears income doesn't allow) and make a middle-class income, I will donate some to various organizations (mozilla, gentoo, slackware, for example) in an attempt to say "thanks" and to help the developers and such out.

Ditto. Once I stop throwing money down the pit known as tuition I'll be purchasing Mandrake and probably donating to a couple of other worthy projects. For the moment, I'm trying to content myself with contributing time here and on the GUI in my sig, but eventually I'll be doing something more tangible for Open Source.:)

[gehidore]

Originally posted by CoffeeMan
I mean, you tip the Coffee people, right?
Nope, been a long time since I have walked into starbucks and dropped them a tip... Wait! I don't even drink coffee.

[fatTrav]

Originally posted by cybertron
Ditto. Once I stop throwing money down the pit known as tuition ...

you forgot about beer and books ;)

is there a way to donate to the kernel efforts? i mean, other than giving my time in workin on some kernel code and instead just sending them a check?

[Ehwaz001]

I donate to most of the distributions, since they can use the money to keep the servers online and pay for their pizza and coke...

[Parcival]

I pay for distributions, too. However, I guess I should also start to pay for applications... I definetly need to donate money to Mozilla/Firefox, KDE and OpenOffice as I use them daily.

[mrBen]

I have donated money to Firefox (via http://www.spreadfirefox.com), and I bought a copy of Debian from http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk

I also bought a couple of commercial games for Linux, but I think it was a bit late for Loki :(

[deathadder]

I cant currently spend money on the Distro/Apps I use, I'm throwing too much money away at Uni :) But I brought Debian, and a few Loki games, like mrBen said a bit too late it would seem. However when I can afford it I do buy, a Debian Tshirt to help support my favourite distro, or a stuffed tux to support Open Source Software in general. You've got to love having that little penguin sitting on your desk watchin over you :D

[Daedrus]

Originally posted by fatTrav
you forgot about beer and books ;)


Ah but beer will always continue to be a pit to throw money. :) I have purchased box sets from the distros I have used thus far. Started with Red Hat, then SuSE. Have yet to buy Slackware, but I just started with it. I don't use Linux because it is free. I use it because it is better. Although I have spent less on Linux distros (2 versions of Red Hat and 2 of SuSE) than I would have on 1 retail copy of Windows XP if I had ever purchased it.

[hard candy]

I donated a good amount of money to Firefox and Gentoo. I think that they should all get a tip. Working for free doesn't mean they shouldn't pick up a few bucks here and there. I mean, you tip the Coffee people, right? by Coffeeman.

Didn't you just post begging for money since you are so poor??

http://www.justlinux.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=134878

[cybertron]

Originally posted by fatTrav
you forgot about beer and books ;)
Ah, but I don't turn 21 until the 25th of this month, so for the moment I have to mooch off of other people for beer:)

One way or another I'm definitely getting a stuffed Tux for my desk. I don't know if my family will be able to find one for my birthday though, so maybe I'll just have to get it myself.

LOL@hard candy, I seem to recall reading that not long ago too:D

[Daedrus]

Originally posted by cybertron
Ah, but I don't turn 21 until the 25th of this month, so for the moment I have to mooch off of other people for beer:)


And you thought you were short of money now.

Addendum to previous post:

I have just purchase Slackware. Have to keep the support for linux moving. :p

[techwise]

I finally began using Linux every day (finding a distro I liked) I began feeling a bit guilty fo not having paid anything for the stuff I was being productive with. So, I joind their fee based subscription service.

Ive done that type of thing a couple of times.

I buy boxed sets too sometimes.

I also pay people to administer a server when something is beyond my expertise or I can not afford the time to do it myself.

The nice thins about free software is that you can determine its value to you based on experence, not the claims of the sales department before you ever use it.

See the new Dell sale offer? $299.00 for a basic desktop system WITH WIN XP HOME EDITION. A pc that cheap with WIN XP???? If thats not a monopolistic then what is?

Mike

[happybunny]

a dell laptop for 299? where?

[techwise]

a desktop silly.

m

[happybunny]

sorry, i was all excited there for a minute....

silly bunny!

I

[je_fro]

I'm not 100% sure it helps the developers acquire new equipment and so forth, but....
I always buy merchandise (coffee cups, t-shirts, stickers, etc...) from the official website of the project I'm trying to support.

[fatTrav]

Originally posted by je_fro
I'm not 100% sure it helps the developers acquire new equipment and so forth, but....
I always buy merchandise (coffee cups, t-shirts, stickers, etc...) from the official website of the project I'm trying to support.

i'm sure it helps out a bit. i mean, they're going to make a profit on that type of stuff. i've got a number of good nerd t-shirts in my closets...though I must admit they were given to me by the companies. but hey, i get around so i guess it is good advertising.

This site has cool ASF shirts and stuff: http://www.cafepress.com/meepzor/230676

[BaVinic]

I have no problem paying for software, even bought my first versions of red hat boxed sets( 6, 7, 7.1, 7.2 8.0 and 9.0) as well as mandrake boxed sets. and have purchased some cdr's when I did not have broadband. I have donated to k3b, firefox, kde and I buy games that are linux installable. I feel as though I do my share, although, I do think I could do more some times. :) but there is only so much to go around.

Although I must be honest, i have spent much more on MS based crap, if I could only get that money back, I would gladly donate it to many projects :)

BaVinic

[blobaugh]

i have never payed for/donated money for any free software that i use. though there is some software that has become invaluable to me and lately i have been thinking i need to support the developers more

[soulestream]

as a windows admin i dont get to many chances at free (as in beer) software. at my current job the first thing i did was removed anything with the name NORTON on it, at due to my success with AVG antivirus(free) edition, i switched the company to their corporate version, instead of sticking with the free one. we also switched from ms outlook and out express to thunderbird and i got them to donate to the mozilla project.
ever little bit helps


soule

[infiniphunk]

I had to buy a the licence key to make my demo version of turboprint the full version(couldn't get my canon i850 working otherwise). Not sure if that counts though.
I would love to be able to donate a few bucks now and again or just outright buy my distro's vs. downloading them for free, but I'm also facing hard times moneywise right now. Both of us(spouse and I) are college students; she had to take out OSAP to pay tuition(student loan). We both also work to support ourselves, and I also have previous student loans I'm already paying back. So yeah, life is tough. Would like to be able to pay a little, but its too hard right now. Meanwhile I think I do a lot to promote open-source by talking to anyone who will listen about it. Hopefully creating some awareness in the community can bring a few more people aboard which will support the open-source community in the long run.

[keyshawn]

As of yet, I have not; since it's not as easy for a teenager to buy something online than it is to go to a store and buy it.

But, since Christmas time is coming up, I'm asking 'santa' to help donate some of the money to mozilla, azureus, and maybe a few other ones on the linux front, in my name, for appreciation of the software.

When I can [time-wise and ability of skill], I try to submit bug reports, and help give back in that sort of way..

[fill]

I don't pay for free software b/c it eliminates the purpose of free software. RMS started the free software movement so that people wouldn't have to pay for software. He wanted to create a community of programmers that programmed for the fun of it.

Nobody was ever meant to make a living off of free software, and anyone asking for donations for software or begging for money b/c of their contributions to the free software movement is retarded.

[gehidore]

Originally posted by fill
I don't pay for free software b/c it eliminates the purpose of free software.
To me 'free software' doesn't mean it comes without cost, but that I have the freedom to do what I want with it.

[BaVinic]

I think you misunderstood the term FREE it is FREE as in freedom, not free as in FREE BEER.

You have the Freedom to modify and redistubute the software under the GPL, but it does not mean you cannot charge for it. Or ask for donations. and trust me, most of the software that we use everyday in the Linux world is worth a few dollars for the work that goes into it.

I think anyone who thinks FREE means you don't have to pay for it, is confused.


:rolleyes:
BaVinic

[soulestream]

i think another problem is that people who develop "free as in speech" software dont charge directly for the software, because they can't. it is very hard to get software "published" under a larger company that can distribute it. thats where places like sourceforge come in handy. you can get your software into the market, for free as in beer, then later possibly charge/sell your software if you so choose. im not a programmer, i dont want to be a programmer, ill never want to be a programmer, but i sit a pc all day and get paid for it. i think they deserve the same if they are offering a good product, free as in beer or not.


soule

[fill]

You guys are going to test my knowledge of the gpl.

I haven't looked it over in a while, so correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GPL state that you have to provide the source code for free to any product that you develop that uses GPL'd code? That was my impression.

Also, have any of you heard of the BSD liscense, out of curiosity?

Also, software, as with any good or service is worth as much as people are willing to pay for it. I'm not willing to pay for software that I can get for free.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
You guys are going to test my knowledge of the gpl.

I haven't looked it over in a while, so correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GPL state that you have to provide the source code for free to any product that you develop that uses GPL'd code? That was my impression.

Also, have any of you heard of the BSD liscense, out of curiosity?

Also, software, as with any good or service is worth as much as people are willing to pay for it. I'm not willing to pay for software that I can get for free.

As far as I understand it, you have to provide the source code, but I do not believe it has to be for free, although I could be wrong.

As to you not being willing to pay for something you can get for free, all I can say is thank G-d for Linux, because if you were in windows you would be out of luck.

BaVinic

[fill]

It's funny you should bring up windows, because without it free software would not have gotten so much acceptance and it's why I don't believe in paying for free software.

Linus decided to give away his kernel for free ( he gpl'd it) because he felt that he shouldn't have to pay for an operating system.

Also, I should elaborate on my point about the BSD license. It came into existence because the GPL is so extreme and requires you to give source code for free. The BSD people had a more down to earth approach to software and didn't feel like all software should be free.

[cybertron]

Originally posted by fill
It's funny you should bring up windows, because without it free software would not have gotten so much acceptance and it's why I don't believe in paying for free software.

Linus decided to give away his kernel for free ( he gpl'd it) because he felt that he shouldn't have to pay for an operating system.

Also, I should elaborate on my point about the BSD license. It came into existence because the GPL is so extreme and requires you to give source code for free. The BSD people had a more down to earth approach to software and didn't feel like all software should be free.
Actually, Linus started Linux as a hobby. As he said "just a hobby, won't be big and professional like gnu", so I doubt he was out to protest against paying for software. Of course, we all know how that "won't be big and professional like gnu" part turned out:)

And strictly speaking the BSD license is more radically open source than the GPL. Code under the BSD license is absolutely free, you can even take it and make it non-free if you so choose. The GPL just doesn't allow that, which prevents companies like Microsoft from stealing the code and making huge money off of it without giving anything to the original developer. Speaking of making money off of open source...*cough* OS X *cough*:D

[fill]

And strictly speaking the BSD license is more radically open source than the GPL. Code under the BSD license is absolutely free, you can even take it and make it non-free if you so choose. The GPL just doesn't allow that, which prevents companies like Microsoft from stealing the code and making huge money off of it without giving anything to the original developer. Speaking of making money off of open source...*cough* OS X *cough*

Interesting point. However, and I think you know this, when I said the gpl is extreme I meant extremely liberal or extremely free to modify the source and redistribute the code freely.

Actually, Linus started Linux as a hobby. As he said "just a hobby, won't be big and professional like gnu", so I doubt he was out to protest against paying for software. Of course, we all know how that "won't be big and professional like gnu" part turned out

Yeah, this is probably true. I just seem to remember hearing some story about how he bought or built a computer and didn't feel he should have to pay for the software. I searched google for an article to back this up, and came up empty handed. I must have imagined this or something.

And my point about without Microsoft there would be no linux stands:

Linux got its big break in the late 1990s when competitors of Microsoft began taking the upstart OS seriously. Netscape Communications Corp., Corel Corp., Oracle Corp., Intel Corp., and other companies announced plans to support Linux as an inexpensive alternative to Windows. As this scenario took shape, Linux devotees and the media delighted in portraying Torvalds as David out to slay the giant, Bill Gates, Microsoft's cofounder and CEO.

from:
http://www.thocp.net/biographies/torvalds_linus.html

[fatTrav]

Even though people put stuff on sourceforge (like me) for free use/download/whatever, that doesn't necessarily mean the author(s) don't get anything in return. I've got 4 job interviews b/c of my sourceforge work (that was how they found me). Now, I haven't gotten a job from it but I've had more interviews from sourceforge and people finding me than me sending my resume out or applying at places.

Sourceforge and other free projects also count as that "experience" employers want. That's worth something.

Maybe this "free as in speach" software will end up getting me beer someday, as in a paid job so I can buy more beer. :p

[cybertron]

Originally posted by fatTrav
Even though people put stuff on sourceforge (like me) for free use/download/whatever, that doesn't necessarily mean the author(s) don't get anything in return. I've got 4 job interviews b/c of my sourceforge work (that was how they found me). Now, I haven't gotten a job from it but I've had more interviews from sourceforge and people finding me than me sending my resume out or applying at places.

Sourceforge and other free projects also count as that "experience" employers want. That's worth something.

Maybe this "free as in speach" software will end up getting me beer someday, as in a paid job so I can buy more beer. :p

I suspect that depends on the type of project you have on SourceForge. I am doubtful that my little MPlayer GUI is ever going to get me an interview:)

[je_fro]

It's called the free rider problem.
A few cheap individuals will decide to mooch a product that other users have helped finance.
I think some people's "beliefs" are just a mask to hide their stingyness.
Tell me fill, do you tip waiters and bartenders?

[fill]

By the way, I'd just like to point out that I'm Ebenizer Scrooge in disguise, and all of you know everything there is to know about linux.:rolleyes: :D :(:o :confused:

[je_fro]

I knew it!
:rolleyes:

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
all of you know everything there is to know about linux.:rolleyes: :D :(:o :confused:

I wish I knew everything there is to know about Linux, :) hell I wish I knew everything there is to know about anything at this point. but the truth of the matter is, I don't and probably never will.

but I do know that if there is a software package (or program) that does what I need/want it to, free or not, it is worth paying for in one way or another. to just take it, use it and not even think of giving something back, is just wrong, and it is selfish to no end.

And you don't have to be any kind of an expert to figure that one out.

BaVinic

[fill]

In all seriousness, I do like the free software movement, and I feel that there is much promise in it.

I develop software as a hobby, and I don't expect any money in return. What's more valuable to me is that people use my software, and that I develop the best, most reliable software I can.

I have a day job that pays the bills, and I don't expect people to send me money for my software. I develop software because I like developing software, and I'd rather people send me bug reports than money.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
In all seriousness, I do like the free software movement, and I feel that there is much promise in it.

I develop software as a hobby, and I don't expect any money in return. What's more valuable to me is that people use my software, and that I develop the best, most reliable software I can.

I have a day job that pays the bills, and I don't expect people to send me money for my software. I develop software because I like developing software, and I'd rather people send me bug reports than money.

I don't peronally think anyone who writes "free" software is doing it to make a living, at least i hope not, I am sure most if not all have "real" jobs, but to send a few dollars to show your apprication is not wrong, and I don't know one person who would not accept it as a way of saying thank you. at the least it would help with large bandwidth payments which is the number one killer of "good" projects, you create a great game ( we'll use that as an example) and now it is like 250megs in size, people like it, and want to download it, well, someone has to pay for the bandwidth it will take to transfer it, or to host it, you see what I mean. yes, the software ( in this example a game) is free, but there are still costs involved with getting it to people.

Anyway, Yes I pay for some free software, in one way or another, but not nearly as much as I should.

BaVinic

[fill]

Games? For linux? where at?:D

You're right, no one will turn down donations. However, that's not what free software is all about.

Bavinic contributed this gem
at the least it would help with large bandwidth payments which is the number one killer of "good" projects

The linux kernel, the apache server, and all the GNU system utilities all seem to be in no danger of going under. Therefore, I defy you to name some "good" projects that have been killed by lack of funding.:mad: :confused: :eek: :cool: :D

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
Games? For linux? where at?:D

You're right, no one will turn down donations. However, that's not what free software is all about.



The linux kernel, the apache server, and all the GNU system utilities all seem to be in no danger of going under. Therefore, I defy you to name some "good" projects that have been killed by lack of funding.:mad: :confused: :eek: :cool: :D

I can see you are not getting the point, your type never do, you see FREE and take the ride.

There have been MANY "good" projects that have died for lack of a lot of things, funding is but one of many.

But my point was that, even though the software may be free , there are still costs involved, and it is not free to everyone, so if someone is asking for donations, it does not mean that they are looking to "Profit" from the software, but only hoping to keep it alive.

BaVinic

[fill]

originally posted by a EDITED BY MODERATOR
I can see you are not getting the point, your type never do

MY TYPE? How dare you stereotype me!

originally posted by EDITED BY MODERATOR
There have been MANY "good" projects that have died for lack of a lot of things, funding is but one of many.

You said this in your last post. What were they? Name them. I would like to know what they were.

originallly posted by EDITED BY MODERATOR
But my point was that, even though the software may be free , there are still costs involved, and it is not free to everyone, so if someone is asking for donations, it does not mean that they are looking to "Profit" from the software, but only hoping to keep it alive.


All well-thought out projects with intelligent maintainers can find the funds to support their project.

ADDED BY MODERATOR!
Are you just asking to be banned with personal and uncalled for attacks? Or did you have a heart felt point behind that?

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
MY TYPE? How dare you stereotype me!



I did not sterotype you, your own actions did


You said this in your last post. What were they? Name them. I would like to know what they were.


What's the point? you still would not get it anyway


All well-thought out projects with intelligent maintainers can find the funds to support their project. [/B]

This is true, just so long as they do not ask you for help, right?

You are so sad.

BaVinic

[fill]

Well then... Sniffle, sniffle. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.

And I'd like to add, you hurt my feelings, and for that, I can never forgive you.

But I'm curious, what is my type, and why will I never get it. I'm pretty sure I've been using linux longer than you, I know more about it and the free software movement. Maybe if you stick with it, you'll begin to think like me. :) ;) :cool: :confused:

[ions]

Name calling invalidates any argument. MuttonHead. :P

[gehidore]

Originally posted by fill
Well then... Sniffle, sniffle. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.


It happens.
Originally posted by fill
And I'd like to add, you hurt my feelings, and for that, I can never forgive you.

Sorry to hear that.
Originally posted by fill
But I'm curious, what is my type, and why will I never get it.

Who knows.
Originally posted by fill
I'm pretty sure I've been using linux longer than you, I know more about it and the free software movement.

Any proof?
Originally posted by fill
Maybe if you stick with it, you'll begin to think like me. :) ;) :cool: :confused:
Why think like you when we can all think like ourselves?

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
Well then... Sniffle, sniffle. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.


Agreed!


And I'd like to add, you hurt my feelings, and for that, I can never forgive you.


Don't take it so personal, I don't



But I'm curious, what is my type, and why will I never get it. I'm pretty sure I've been using linux longer than you, I know more about it and the free software movement. Maybe if you stick with it, you'll begin to think like me. :) ;) :cool: :confused:

Type: I thought I covered that when I said

...you see FREE and take the ride.


As to why you wouldn't get it, only your maker knows the answer to that.


using Linux:, you may well have been using it (funny you should pick that term) longer than me, i have only been using it for about 7 years.

If I start thinking like you have expressed yourself here, then I hope someone is kind enough to point it out to me, so i can get rid of my computer before I hurt myself.

(That was a joke, in case you did not get it :) )

BaVinic

[gehidore]

I almost forgot, lets go ahead and put out this nice little flame I see going, ok?

[fill]

Well I'm sorry. It seems that everyone has turned on me. I just wanted to voice my opinion on free software and before I knew it everyone was attacking and making fun of me. I got too defensive. Please don't ban me. Sorry for the personal attacks, I probably went too far.

Originally posted by gehidore
Any proof?


I don't know how to prove myself. I can tell you I've been using linux for years, but that doesn't say much. I know a lot of you have been using for longer than me and could school me when it comes to computers.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
Well I'm sorry. It seems that everyone has turned on me. I just wanted to voice my opinion on free software and before I knew it everyone was attacking and making fun of me. I got too defensive. Please don't ban me. Sorry for the personal attacks, I probably went too far.



I don't know how to prove myself. I can tell you I've been using linux for years, but that doesn't say much. I know a lot of you have been using for longer than me and could school me when it comes to computers.

I have nothing against you, just your comments :)

relax it is all in good fun :D

BaVinic

gehidore: Don't worry, I am done. it was fun while it lasted :D

[fill]

Well darnit these forums have gotten active in the last few minutes.:D

originally posted by gehidore
I almost forgot, lets go ahead and put out this nice little flame I see going, ok?

And might i add this was all in bold. I'm not sure what this means, but it seems to be an attack on me. I won't respond to this because I can't think of anything nice to say to this.

originally posted by Bavinic
so i can get rid of my computer before I hurt myself.

I don't think you will hurt yourself with your computer, and no I don't see the humor in this post, but I'll take your word for it that you're joking. You're probably good at computers, and I won't say anything else in mean spirits.

[gehidore]

Originally posted by fill
And might i add this was all in bold. I'm not sure what this means, but it seems to be an attack on me.


That was me saying:

Get back on topic and stop the 'little war' before I kick over my little bottle of threadlock.

No it was not an 'attack' on you, it was aimed at everyone.

[Smokey]

I subscribe to slackware, that's the only free software I pay for.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by fill
And might i add this was all in bold. I'm not sure what this means, but it seems to be an attack on me. I won't respond to this because I can't think of anything nice to say to this.


Actually, i believe this was directed to you and I as we were bantering back and fourth, again, don't take it personal.


I don't think you will hurt yourself with your computer, and no I don't see the humor in this post, but I'll take your word for it that you're joking. You're probably good at computers, and I won't say anything else in mean spirits.

Trust me, there is nothing you could possibly say that would in anyway offend me, i am just too old to give a damn :) But this thread is getting old and out of hand, so maybe it would be good to just move on. you have your opinion, and I have mine,. we don't have to agree. it's normal.


BaVinic

[gehidore]

As soon as I have enough saved up for my 'dsl' contrib I plan to buy this:
DSL 128MB preinstalled thumbdrive (http://damnsmalllinux.org/usb.html)
It may cost just a tad bit, but I really like what they have done.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by gehidore
As soon as I have enough saved up for my 'dsl' contrib I plan to buy this:
DSL 128MB preinstalled thumbdrive (http://damnsmalllinux.org/usb.html)
It may cost just a tad bit, but I really like what they have done.


Now that is sweet!!

BaVinic

[gehidore]

Originally posted by BaVinic
Now that is sweet!!

BaVinic

If they didn't mark up their mini ITX parts by ~200%-300% I would buy my mini ITX, that I'm still planning, from them. A small mark up is ok with me but almost 2-3 times the retail value is a little much to ask. I'll dontate, but I wont be completely ripped off. :p

[fill]

originally posted by Bavinic
Now that is sweet!!

I'm saying, right. :D

originally posted be the G-man
If they didn't mark up their mini ITX parts by ~200-300% I would buy my mini ITX, that I'm still planing, A small mark up is ok with me but almost 2-3 times the retail value is a little much to ask. I'll dontate, but I wont be completely ripped off.

Cool man, right on.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by gehidore
If they didn't mark up their mini ITX parts by ~200%-300% I would buy my mini ITX, that I'm still planning, from them. A small mark up is ok with me but almost 2-3 times the retail value is a little much to ask. I'll dontate, but I wont be completely ripped off. :p

Yeah I see what you mean, that's ok, i'll buy from newegg<dot>com I'm sure I could find it a little cheaper, but I like the service ( no, this is not an advertisement for them :D )

BaVinic

[cybertron]

Originally posted by BaVinic
Yeah I see what you mean, that's ok, i'll buy from newegg<dot>com I'm sure I could find it a little cheaper, but I like the service ( no, this is not an advertisement for them :D )

BaVinic

Actually, it''s pretty hard to beat NewEgg's prices on a lot of stuff. Sometimes you can, but a lot of times I've found that even used or refurbished stuff is more than their new stuff.

I'd love to get a USB drive with Linux on it, but I can't justify it because I've already got an MP3 player that I use as a thumb drive. Some day though...:)

[EnigmaOne]

Getting in on this a bit late....been busy lately...

To the OP:

It has always seemed reasonable to me to try any distro/program for free. What you see is what you get.

I'm an absolute fanatic about paying for what I keep and use. Those folks did me a huge favor, and they deserve--at minimum--my financial participation.

[Hellion]

Books, Clothes, Distro Box sets..I'll buy them all..I have no problems giving money for something I enjoy using.

[EnigmaOne]

I need to get back here more often...so busy lately.
Originally posted by Hellion
Books, Clothes, Distro Box sets..I'll buy them all..I have no problems giving money for something I enjoy using.
Originally posted by jefro
...do you tip waiters and bartenders?
Those two comments are interrelated, and were the genesis of a very warm thread (elsewhere, of course) about 15 years ago.

Suffice it to say that I return for refund any product that isn't worth keeping and using, or doesn't perform as advertised--many times at great trouble to myself.
I also refuse to tip more than 2-cents (US) for crappy service at restaurants.

Originally posted by fill
I don't pay for free software b/c it eliminates the purpose of free software. RMS started the free software movement so that people wouldn't have to pay for software. He wanted to create a community of programmers that programmed for the fun of it.
Interesting...opinion...to say the least. I'm sorry to say that you have no understanding of Stallman's philosophy and, thereby, stand at-odds with the Open Source Community.

Please read: http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html to see RMS contradict you in his own words.

[acid45]

Does paying for a mag count? I use mostly software I find on their discs decause other than what linux format review in their mag, I don't know any "trusted" sites. So I pay for gigs of software and a magazine. That's about it, I don't have any method of paypal donating soo... I don't know :P

[Smokey]

Originally posted by acid45
Does paying for a mag count? I use mostly software I find on their discs decause other than what linux format review in their mag, I don't know any "trusted" sites. So I pay for gigs of software and a magazine. That's about it, I don't have any method of paypal donating soo... I don't know :P

Definitely, because by purchasing their magazine you are spreading the awareness of linux and other companies or small businesses will look at that same publication and might even invest in it.

[acid45]

Cool, I just got a new one today, I had to go to two stores, it was sold out at the first one and it just hit the shelves here yesterday. About 10 copies total. I have almost every issue since 31, which actually says it's 30 and 31, on the spine of the mag. Sept 2002 issue, slackware 8.1 was included :D It's my all time favorite magazine.