MT's New Licensing Options

May 17, 02:30 PM

SixApart has finally released version 3.0 of their excellent blogging software, Movable Type. Adding a raft of new features and retitling the package a ”Publishing Platform” (rather than a ”Personal Publishing System”) it seems they’ve upped the ante in feature-set and professional presentation once again—no doubt with many lessons learned from their ready-to-go blogging solution TypePad.

Seas of ink will be spilled about their new licensing scheme, explained in full and patient detail by Mena of SixApart. In releasing this new version, they’re moving from a garage operation to becoming a fully-fledged company; inevitably this involves changes to the pricing structure. For myself I won’t be affected because I use MT within the terms of the free v3.0 license. However, when you find software expertly written and beautifully presented, it’s worth sticking with it. The inimitable Nick Bradbury, author of the wonderful TopStyle and FeedDemon, is another such example of a creator of exemplary software and it’s interesting to see his take on the whole thing.

For myself, I can’t blame Ben and Mena to want to make money from their efforts. I can’t see this as a blow against free software—it’s much more about people trying to make a living.

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