[kwlug-disc] Wordpress themes must be GPL

[unsolicited]

Khalid Baheyeldin wrote, On 07/24/2010 11:10 PM:
>  From a practical point of view, not just licensing, I believe that 
> releasing your
> modules free is far better for the developer, and the ecosystem, for many
> reasons: the code gets fixes, features and upgrades that are impossible
> for one or a few people to do on their own, the developer gets recognition,
> the ecosystem for the larger application gets better by having more 
> components,
> the developer gets new business, everyone wins, except those who are locked
> into the mentality that they should press CDs and sell their software 
> commercially
> only.

But, to Paul's point: How do developers put food on the table?

Without having to execute a continuous stream of work?

They create something 'wonderful', but, in essence, must (practically 
speaking) make it free. How do they gain a 'royalty' (not an annual 
license fee, but a bite of pie) every time their work is 'acquired' 
(downloaded?)

I get your business model, your code (and other activities) enhances 
your reputation and makes you the go to guy for a continuous stream of 
work.

But how do FOSS developers put food on the table for effort expended 
without having to continuously execute new streams of work?

e.g. Suppose you get sick (and have no income replacement insurance) - 
your revenue plummets and you have to live on what you have managed to 
save. Or, what about those who don't make enough or have insurance?