Freeware and PortableApps compatible, but not OpenSource

well it's because right now it's the licensing, as you can see the apps we have modified here are allowed to be modified because of the GPL, other licenses such as a eula forbid modification and redistribution, we are soon going to have a freeware section but the freeware part we would have to have explicit permission to redistribute the app from the author.

It's primarily distribution at the moment. Open Source software can be distributed via Sourceforge.

It's also the case that the Open Source licenses are fairly well understood, where it might take a lawyer to figure out what's going on with other licenses. If all the software distributed on this site is Open Source, it makes things easier.

My own impression is that John et al appreciate it when non-OSS people publish their software in a format compatible with the Platform. It's good for end users too, since they have a wider choice of software. I also have the impression that John has not figured out how to integrate other kinds of software, and is putting off commenting on it until that has happened.

I could see where a page of "compatible" software links could be a service to end-users, and exchanging links with authors in that way might be a good marketing strategy for everyone. I can see where a category of "non-OSS" software, distributed from a site other than SourceForge, might be helpful too. What I have in mind is the way Ubuntu makes available non-free or restricted software packages in a way that is fairly straightforward to end-users, but makes it clear that it is a separate category.

There's also a feeling that self-promotion should not be allowed on the site, since it can take advantage of the members in a self-serving way. This is at odds with the idea that other software options might actually be helpful to end-users, but I do expect there will be some workaround in the future.

Meanwhile, just assume that your efforts are appreciated, but the goal of integrating such products into the site has not yet been completed.

Those are just my own thoughts, and worth every penny.

The ability to officially release your freeware apps in PortableApps.com Format and use our installer without any fee and without having to open source your app is coming soon. We'll be listing those apps on the site that are in PortableApps.com Format and meet the spec. You'll also be able to announce them in a special forum we'll be setting up as well.