Would you pay for commercial software for Linux?

[Derek A. Neighbors]

>
>
>The bottom line is that the culture of Linux is contrary to commercial 
>enterpise and selfish human nature.  So, a commercial software company, 
>writing for the Linux market faces even greater odds against success 
>than companies targeting the Windows market.  And the odds of success in the 
>Windows market is not very high either, even without the culture working 
>against it.
>
Lets also look at the MOST popular and 'successful' 'commericial' 
windows products.

Windows 95/98/NT/etc : FREE : Comes with the computer you buy (in most 
cases)
Quicken : FREE : My Stockbroker Firm Gives Free Copies
Office/Works : FREE : Comes with the computer you buy (in most cases)


If these products were not forcing thier products in at OEM of dell, 
gateway etc I dont think they would be having the 'fiscal' success they 
currently enjoy.  I have often heard users that go buy a new computer 
just to get the new windows/office/quicken.  

So I think not only are the 'cultures' different, but so are the 
distribution channels.

-Derek