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by actionfromafar 1565 days ago
But ElementaryOS is in a unique position to monetize which they don't use.

They don't allow commercial applications on their app store. I'd publish there in a heartbeat, if they did.

They are also in the position they (barely) function at a very low cost. They don't need a lot of cash flow to make a huge difference.

If someone has a way in with them, please please mention this. I'd hate for ElementaryOS to die, I really like it and have followed it from the beginning.

It's the only Linux which strikes the balance between being "normal" and caring about simplicity, consistency and ease of use.
3 comments
realusername 1565 days ago
It's more than that, they only allow open source apps AND built with GTK.

I also use elementary daily and I cannot publish my own app in their store

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badsectoracula 1565 days ago
Well, the Gtk part makes sense since they want to provide a consistent UI.

The weird bit is that it must be hosted on Github.

https://docs.elementary.io/develop/appcenter/publishing-requ...

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actionfromafar 1565 days ago
I forgot to mention - the user can pay $0 for any app. This is the problem which needs to be fixed. All apps are donationware, enforced by the appstore.
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mrlemke 1565 days ago
This is exactly why I never bothered. Combine that with the fact users can pay $0 and then come to GitHub to complain (i.e. create a support burden), I figured it wasn't the best option for a solo developer to build a business model on.

It would be more interesting if there was more flexibility in the monetization. Options for a minimum price + pay more per seat (for integration with some corporate provisioning software), subscription pricing, one time price + either support subscription or support "piecework" (like bug bounties or developer consultation), and invoicing integration.

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m-p-3 1565 days ago
> They don't allow commercial applications on their app store.

Which I kinda agree with, as they want to promote open-source apps first, but I'd also be okay with an option to display commercial apps to purchase or install with a disclaimer that these are not open-source apps.

It'd be nice to have the ability to install Spotify, Discord, and some other popular apps and have them automatically kept up-to-date directly from the App Store. And that wouldn't negate the ability to sideload or use a third-party repo.

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freeAgent 1565 days ago
I do t know if they’re the only distro looking for that balance Zorin OS also seems to be doing it.
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