A Philosophical Point

[Roger.E.Eller at sealedair.com]

> If they make it free, how would they fund development?

I don't think that Richmonds point was that Revolution should be 
opensource or freeware, but that removal of the free "limited version" has 
turned away many potential future programmers. Not everyone has even a 
mere $99 for which to experiment and learn using DreamCard. And 30 days 
just isn't enough if you are a student with no money. Many hobbyists that 
used the "limited" version AS HOBBYISTS for a year or so, eventually 
became professional paying customers. What did it hurt to allow free 
10-line scripts to be created for free? Did it really take away that much 
of RunTimes revenue? Just remember that every kid, or every student that 
could have had a pleasant learning experience with the free "limited" 
version will eventually grow up and be a potential customer. Wouldn't you 
want "Revolution" to be the name that comes to mind when they are in a 
position to choose their tools of the trade. Without that availability, I 
believe that Richmond is correct. The potential customer base is greatly 
reduced to only the current generation of professional adults.

Roger Eller <roger.e.eller at sealedair.com>