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kelraye78 kelraye78
 
M$1.75 October 29, 2009 07:23 PM

Do you ever donate to developers who create great open source software?

Ok. I have to admit. I am a major fan of open source software and projects. I mean, you can't beat free when it comes to software that helps you on a daily basis. And just like anything, there are some really great open source projects, can we say LAMP? or JOOMLA (sorry, Joomla fan here) there are also others that aren't really that noteworthy. But the fact is most of the people that work hard to develop these programs are students or volunteers that do it for nothing. A lot of times when you download open source software or view open source projects, like WIkipedia, there are links to donate to the cause. If it something really great that I use a lot and has proven helpful to me, I will go back and donate whatever I can afford at that time, but I am just curious how many other people actually do this. And do you think a lack of support from the general public deters developers from creating really useful stuff as open source?
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Interesting: expertknowledge M$0.25, jasoncalacanis M$0.50

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expertknow... expertknow...
 
 October 29, 2009 07:56 PM
Definitely! I've donated to several projects/authors.

90% of the innovation in software is happening in the open source space. There's very few reasons to go out and buy proprietary software anymore. I'd much rather give $10 or $20 to an open source project than $100s for a license to some proprietary software.

Open source authors write the software to make great software. Commercial companies write software to make money. In the end, those with the goal to make great software have a much better chance of doing so.

BTW - I'd recommend the movie Revolution OS (about Linux) for those who want an introduction to the open source software world.
Asker's Rating:
• Thanks for the movie recommendation! Too cool.


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wonook wonook
 
October 29, 2009 07:59 PM
I never donate to open source software.

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kty2777 kty2777
 
October 30, 2009 08:33 AM
@wonook, do you have a reason or is it just you being you? Can you answer the other question 'do you think not donating hurts the community'?

It is an 'opinion' question so if you let us know why it might help the discussion along, instead of just being marked 'unhelpful'
Cheers!

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ditesco ditesco
 
October 29, 2009 11:18 PM
Unfortunately not everybody donates to developers of open source projects. Most of the time, people will think that they have already received enough donation so there isn't really the need to donate more.

I myself have only donated once. Not that I won't donate again, but it really has to be a software that I think is worth it and obviously if I use it.

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hazifazlan hazifazlan
 
October 29, 2009 11:25 PM
Come to think of it, I never donate anything for the open source software although I used a lot of it (including my OS!). I tend to take things for granted, but as you can see, the open source industry is still booming -yeah, they work hard for it, I know. I think your act complement mine. So as other's who thinks like you complement other's who thinks like me.

But I really think if they really want to make money, they shouldn't start with open source project. Open source project is suppose to be fun, community-based and charity oriented.

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traveler traveler
 
October 30, 2009 04:10 AM
yes i do donate, also click on adsense ads if got my interest... it helps webcommunity to share and grow faster in better!

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lidyax lidyax
 
October 30, 2009 05:18 AM
I donated to a website where I downloaded many photoshop brushes. I never donated before because I didnt have money at my paypal account before and i couldn't add funds from my credit cards.

it depends on the type of open source or freebies I downloaded. If I plan to make money from it, I'll donate.

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bilza bilza
 
October 30, 2009 10:12 AM
Being a helper to developing code for several open source projects, written in C++, i donate to anything that helps me out.
i have recieved about £150 in donations in the last week, as they are split, and everytime the attatched message reads something like, "Keep up the good work, cant wait for another release from you".
as i see it, if you donate to open source projects/programs, they have more incentive to keep it updated/.developing different programs.

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omicron omicron
 
October 30, 2009 05:17 PM
Yes.

I try it, and if I'm just so darned impressed that it feels like an injustice to the universe for them to receive nothing for it, I donate with a thank-you.

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hamid_azim... hamid_azim...
 
October 31, 2009 08:30 PM
To be honest, i have never pay for those open source softwares.The main reason is that in my country there is no choice to pay via international services like pay pal and etc. but i don't know if i could what would i do then !

I agree with you that, we need to donate them, because avoiding this,may cause to ruin all open source softwares, and then many businesses all ovr the world !

Thanks for this question !

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