Re: [Fsuk-manchester] RMS on Swedish Pirate Party vs Free Software

[Chris Rogers]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pater Mann" <address@hidden>

> ..................................          So why should I have
> to give away the software that I develop? If I choose to give it away
> (and I almost always do), that is my decision and I am happy to make
> it but I should not be forced to do so.

It's a very valid point you make, Pater. Everyone has to eat. If writing 
software is your main occupation, rather than a sideline or hobby, it's 
reasonable to want some recompense.

The debate is well illustrated by the case of Pegasus Mail, which has always 
been a free download, although not Free or open source. David Harris, the 
author, has made his living for the last 15 years or so by selling manuals 
and support for the product, but has recently had to review his position 
because of his financial situation.

His open letters to his user community are at 
http://www.pmail.com/openletter.htm and 
http://www.pmail.com/sundry/pmlinux.htm and speak volumes.

I used Pegasus for several years and it would be shameful if it disappeared.

Chris