On Fri, Dec 07, 2012 at 05:11:19PM -0600, Ted Gould wrote:
PROPOSAL 1: Inkscape should enter into the agreement with Canonical and submit future releases of Inkscape to the extras repository, pending review of the TOS from the Conservancy.
At the same time, the My Apps interface allows us to distribute applications that have a fee associated with them. While it's really designed for selling proprietary software, it seems like we could also have an application that was "Inkscape (Donation Edition)" that cost something like $5 that users who wanted to could choose to install. I was thinking that this edition could have a special about screen or perhaps some filters or palettes -- some sort of Thank You. We could keep that in version control, just not distribute it with the main tarball/executable bundles we ship.
I haven't read the agreement, but in concept I don't see a problem with it.
In fact, I'm not sure this is something we really even need a board vote on; it's basically just another avenue for distributing Inkscape to users, so sounds like it falls within the scope of the normal Inkscape packaging crew.
If there *is* some bit in the terms of service which would require a board vote, then I think we'd better have those issues highlighted so we can give them adequate consideration.
PROPOSAL 2: Inkscape should release a donation edition of Inkscape to Ubuntu extras at a price set by the board.
What are people's thoughts on all of this? Yea, nay? I'm not sure it would end up being a large donation stream, but I do think it's worth trying. There will probably be some people upset at us trying to "commercialize" Inkscape, but I don't think that's really the case here and I'm willing to have that conversation.
It sounds like a good idea, although three things:
1. We'll have to ensure it's legally permissible to do this within our non-profit constraints.
2. Like njh pointed out, we ought to have a plan for usage of the revenue before undertaking this. Which really means we need an organizer to make whatever arrangements/purchases/etc. required. A hackfest focusing on bug fixing or implementing a few highly requested features could perhaps stimulate a lot of donation activity.
3. What fees are charged? The TOS says 20%; any other fees?
Bryce