Times change [1]
PlaneShift started out as a commercial product where it had goals and a vision specific to that commercial project.
Then, well over a decade ago, it changed to an almost polar opposite, into a free AND Open Source project with new goals and a new vision.
This new vision was possible because of a changing environment; the Internet, which meant an Open Source project could actually be distributed. Geographic location of software developers became irrelevant.
The 'PlaneShift Project Development Agreement' aside, the concept of Open Source has NEVER implied or stated that a project can not be commercial or charged for.
In fact the purpose of Open Source was to add a unique selling point by way of allowing the customer to modify a product's source code to better meet their needs. However the Open Source Agreement meant that those changes have to be given to the originator. Then if the originator appreciates them, she can add them to her product, where others who purchase it, would also benefit.
It is not immoral to sell an Open Source product.
IBM, Oracle, Google, Red Hat, to name but a few, make billions of euros from using and selling Open Source products.
Times change [2]
PlaneShift Developer Agreements that were written over a decade ago, WILL BE out of date now because of the nature of things technological.
If there is a concern that artists who donated art all that time ago, will not want their stuff included in a semi or fully commercial product, then replace that art.
I reckon if you contact these artists, they will be more than happy to allow their art to be used.
A new 'PlaneShift Project Development Agreement' is required for the development of a contemporary computer game.
Times change [3]
Talad, like Oliver Cromwell, will listen to his troops and appease them in order to keep their favour, for without their support how can he maintain his power?
However if he is not commanding and directing them for the greater good of PlaneShift, then he is just a figure head at the whim of his army.
The Internet, the nature of business and what constitutes a business has morphed considerably during PlaneShift's life time.
It is possible to maintain laudable development principles when developing software and make money.
The 'Donations' method has also changed and KickStarter is an example of that new method.
PlaneShift can not survive on players and developers alone, someone somewhere has to pay.
Times change [4]
What could PlaneShift charge for?
'Eternal Lands' offers decorative apparel. These items have no significance in game other than showing other players that they have supported the game by purchasing something for real money.
This wont make a lot but it might pay the annual costs of renting a server.
So what could KickStarter do?
It could fund: PlaneShift 2
PlaneShift Classic has a decade of legacy. PlaneShift Classic can continue on its path and vision but ...
PlaneShift 2 can start a-fresh and use contemporary (if not just alternative) technologies to power it; such as a different 3D engine for the PC and a Smart Phone version.
A KickStarter funded organisation would have focus, deadlines and dedicated full time staff.
Whether PlaneShift 2 is Open Source is irrelevant but it would not be a bad idea. Just ask: IBM, Oracle, Google and Red Hat.
