Is open-source synonymous with "free"? Technically, yes-Any user prepared to compile some source code can get the software for free! By the definition, yes-
"Free Redistribution: the software can be freely given away or sold. (This was intended to expand sharing and use of the software on a legal basis.)."However, a Mozilla Firefox (open-source web browser) developer has been stirring up some controversy by offering high quality free, not-completely-skinned themes on Mozilla Add-ons, while selling "premium", fully-skinned themes for $0.99 on their website. In the comments page of many of these "intentionally crippled" themes, fellow Firefoxers have complained. One unhappy observer has even gone so far as to buy the "premium" version of a theme and to distribute it freely on a download site!
The reason so many power Firefox users are unhappy is not only because they believe open-source = free, it is also because some of these disgruntled commentors helped work on earlier versions of the theme now selling, and only the seller-developer is getting the profits. (Hopefully this isn't getting too confusing, I don't want to name any names...)
Finally, it's time for my viewpoint. I think that this seller-developer has a right to sell their "premium" themes (think of the hard work they have put in!), but the other developers who helped should also get a share of the profits. Alternately, this seller-developer could instead ask for donations, which some other Firefox developers do. Also, technically, Firefox may be open-source, but the themes and extensions technically aren't!
Do you think open-source = free? Sound off in the comments! No flamewars, please :).
Image from: http://www.openlina.com/eulercode/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/opensource_logo.gif
