Thanks to Those Who Have Contributed So Far.
More Help is Needed to Keep Moving Forward...
Donations
OmegaT+ needs financial donations to progress and move forward with improved functionality. Here we are asking for financial contributions to make this a reality.
Before proceeding further let us deal with the idea of procuring funds on free software. Firstly, this is free software and it will remain so in the proper sense as defined by the Free Software Foundation(FSF). Specifically, the FSF indicates "When we speak of “free software”, we're talking about freedom, not price 1. (Think of “free speech”, not “free beer”.)". Many people who use free software operate under the mistaken belief that it must always be without any cost. Some even go to extremes and exclaim that it is unethical or violates the licenses in some way to receive funds. This is just not so, otherwise no one would be able to package up a Linux distribution and sell it (e.g., RedHat, Novell), for example, and they would find themselves dealing with legal consequences. The fact that the software may still be obtained without cost in some way does not make the paid form illegitimate. The FSF says "Redistributing free software is a good and legitimate activity; if you do it, you might as well make a profit from it." Paying for it in some form is a way to help it progress. The FSF also writes "Free software is a community project, and everyone who depends on it ought to look for ways to contribute to building the community.".
These are my exact thoughts on this. If people are using work that I have produced, contributed to in some way, and are making a profit directly or indirectly from its use then they should at some point give back at least some small amount to help the work to continue to exist and progress. Without giving back to that from which they have taken it will be no surprise in future if the work ceases to be available for free.
The project is now instituting a plan to gain funds via donations by offering financial contributors extra benefits beyond the already available free version of the programs. If there is enough support, the benefits listed will be increased
Level 1 (Registration/Download Version) - $20+
At the $20 donation level, and above, you can register your use of OmegaT+ and have new versions directly distrbuted to you when available. Does not include source code by default. Source code will be available through the project site around the same time.
Level 2 (Optimized Version/Source Code) - $50+
At this level, in addition to the benefits of level 1, you will receive an optimized version of the program. This version will use less resources, run faster, and be configured for the particular operating system you are using. By default this includes the source code for the program.
Level 2a (Optimized Version) - $40
As an option at level 2, you can get the same benefits for a $40 donation upon agreement that you will not receive the source code initially. An additional donation of $20 minimum will be required on top of the original $40 if later you decide to get the source code.
Level 3 (Development Version/Source Code) - $100+
At the $100 donation level you can receive the newest development version of OmegaT+ with extra functionality not in the downloadable version. This includes the source code by default.
Level 3a (Development Version) - $70
As an option to level 3, you can obtain the benefits for a $70 donation upon agreement that you will not receive the source code initially. An additional donation of $50 minimum will be required on top of the original $70 if later you decide to get the source code.
Level 4 (Optimized Development Version/Services/Source Code) - $250+
At the $250 donation level you will receive the newest development version of OmegaT+ with extra functionality not in the downloadable version. It will be an optimized version of the program, that uses less resources, runs faster, and is configured more for your particular operating system. Additionally you will receive direct technical support for a certain number of incidents/hours, priority for potentially developing features that are targeted at your needs, and possibly other programs and services(more to come later on this). Includes source code.
Level 4a (Optimized Development Version/Services) - $220
As an option you may obtain the program and services offered at a donation of $220 upon agreement that you will not receive the source code initially. Later if you require the source code then an additional donation of $50 minimum will be required on top of the original $220.
Limitations
The benefits listed are for a period of one year only. Any support service benefits, as in level 4, may continue beyond this period at our discretion and depending on usage. There are absolutely no refunds, ever. These are benefits gained from making a certain level of donation to the project. Donations by their very nature are non-returnable.
Contributions
OmegaT+ needs contributors to maintain and accelerate its growth and help improve functionality. Contribute your skills to improve OmegaT+ for the benefit of yourself and the wider community. Those who contribute adequately will receive some of the benefits that financial donors get.
Sponsorship and Grants
OmegaT+ is also interested in gaining larger amounts of funds via sponsors or grants for development of specific functionality for use by businesses, organizations, government bodies, and so forth.
Advertising
Interested parties may obtain advertising space for their products or services on OmegaT+ and other related websites. Contact us for details.