Selling OpenSource on eBay

[GavinZac]

There are a few people selling open source software, free for download on the internet, on eBay. Is this allowed? Should it be?

http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300188538244&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.ie%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsea rch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D3 00188538244%26fvi%3D1

http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300188538249&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.ie%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsea rch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D3 00188538249%26fvi%3D1

[steeleyuk]

Yes its allowed. Theres nothing in the GPL that prevents it.

Technically the selling of open source covers the media (CD/DVD/etc) and packaging as no one can own the actual code (like with proprietary software).

[bufsabre666]

if theyre selling it on a cd or jump drive or something i have no problem with it, there are ways to get it for free but if someone is willing to pay to get it like this thats fine

[insane_alien]

it is allowed. regardless of how despicable it is.

then again, i have charged for ubuntu, though it was merely, 'give me a CD so i can burn it, bit strapped for cash just now'

[GavinZac]

Should there, perhaps, be some requirement to clearly state that the software is free but the CD media is not?

I wish eBay allowed open commenting. It'd open a can of worms, but at least users could communicate.

[bufsabre666]

ive given away plenty of dics in my time but theres always has to be a way to make money off it, just look up sites like OSDisc

i think its a good business cause if youre on a dial up connection and have no other way to get these programs its good

well maybe not the gimp thats like a 14mb installer, itll take a while but only like an hour

[danillo]

Both Debian and openSUSE (there are probably more examples) offer discs that you pay for, and some Debian resellers allow customers to donate an extra amount to the project. Not everyone is fortunate like Mr M.Shuttleworth. I don't see a problem with paying for open source software.

[Mazza558]

Search for Ubuntu on Amazon, and you'll find more FOSS for sale.

[conehead77]

Some (most) people expect to pay for their software, so let them.

Somebody should sell Ubuntu for 1000€ or more. Maybe some rich people would use it then ;)
It doesnt matter if the product is worth its money, expensive = good = i can tell people how much $$ i spent = i am awesome

There should be more FOSS for sale.

[bufsabre666]

*contemplates*

nah i would feel bad about ripping people off that much

[Peyton]

Well, the listings do link here:

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/selling.html