[scribus] write and save a document

[John Culleton]

On Friday 26 June 2009 09:33:53 am Gregory Pittman wrote:
> Ronald Wiplinger (Lists) wrote:
> > Christoph,
> >
> > I brought that to the attention of the company, but they refuse
> > to pay for the book with the reasons:
> > 1. The program is free, but how to use it we should pay?
> > 2. The program and the documentation seems to be independent,
> > means there is no guaranty that the information is correct nor
> > a chance to get it fixed.
> > 3. If we have to pay, then we pay to a commercial product.
> >
> >
> > For me it is also not understandable that the documentation is
> > a different project and extra to pay. I understand that the
> > effort should be awarded. BUT a good programmer will make the
> > documentation at the same time, otherwise nobody can use the
> > program.
> >
> > Therefore, where are the docs, that lead to the book?
>
> I guess if there are many companies out there who feel this way,
> we could change the way that Scribus is available just for them,
> and charge for the program, thus, this would be in keeping with
> charging for the manual and apparently be OK then. Of course, we
> would need to charge a per user licence, and you cannot really
> own the program but just have a licence to use it.
>
> I big reason why the printed manual exists is based on various
> users wanting a printed manual as opposed to the free online help
> available. Unfortunately, we could not find a publisher, a
> printer, and supplier of materials who would bring out this book
> at no cost (or for that matter, some commercial concern who would
> donate to the Scribus project so that the manual might be
> available for free). Money that does trickle its way through this
> making-publishing-printing process goes back to the project to be
> used to help advance the software. We apologize if this seems to
> be mercenary and offensive to the commercial world out there.
>
> In the end, I guess your company is an example of how commercial
> concerns really don't understand the FOSS concept. It's probably
> just never going to make sense that people would work this hard
> on a project without monetary compensation.
>
> Greg
>
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We both know that the better people in high tech jobs would do the  
work for free if no one would pay them.  In its beginning Unix was 
a playtoy project for Ken Thompson and friends, originally so that 
he could play his space traveler game.  My publishing and writing 
enterprises are 90% recreation and 10% income source. 

Working on a corporate project with a boss who is half as smart and 
1/4 as knowledgeable as you are is work. Working on OSS at your own 
pace and with only the gentlest of guidelines is pure pleasure.  

OTOH I know corporate Linux adopters who will only buy from Red Hat 
because then they get to pay for "support".  That is like buying a 
cow when they are giving milk away. 

Back in the '30s there were counterfeiters who would make 
counterfeit pennys (costing more than a penny each to make) just as 
an exercise of their skill.

But I do have  one suggestion. Offer a Scribus e-mail support option 
at $500 USD per year.  Then we can do for them for money what we do 
for free anyhow, make them feel better and provide more money to 
support the project.  Throw in a copy of the manual. 

As I often say, free software is just too expensive for some.  And 
you may quote any of the above.

I buy and sometimes write pubs on free software.  It is acceptable 
practice. But it doesn't pay the mortgage. 
-- 
John Culleton
Certified Computer Professional
Former Chief Commercial Applications Programming
Link Group Div. of Singer-General Precision
Former Chief, Systems and Programming
Penberthy Division of Houdaille Industries
Former Chief, Computer Automation Branch
Baltimore City Division of Social Services
...and still learning.