[Python-Dev] No more releases of MacPython-OS9?

[Jack Jansen]

[I'm cc-ing python-dev to get some feedback on this issue from a wider 
community too, let me know if the crowd there don't want this].

There is a serious problem with distributing future versions of 
MacPython-OS9. While the 2.3.3 installer has been sitting on my machine 
for the last three weeks I cannot distribute it due to licensing issues 
with Installer VISE from Mindvision.

Mindvision's licensing scheme is a subscription-based model: you pay a 
yearly fee based on the number of copies you intend to distribute and 
whether you're a commercial/noncommercial operation. Built installers 
continue to work when you don't renew your subscription, but you cannot 
create new installers. For many years they have had a program whereby 
shareware and freeware developers could apply for a free license, and 
MacPython-OS9 installers have been created with Installer VISE for many 
many years. And, I must say, with great satisfaction on my side: even 
though MacPython installers have been very complex with 68K versus 
PowerPC, Classic  versus Carbon execution model, inclusion of various 
optional bits and other issues all handled fairly easily.

However, Mindvision has discontinued the free licensing program. And 
while there is some leeway for renewing existing freeware licenses 
apparently I should have applied for that before last october, when the 
previous license expired (apparently Mindvision thinks that people 
create installers every couple of days?).

So now I'm looking at three choices:
1. Stop distributing MacPython-OS9. I was planning to continue the 
2.3.X series for as long as I had access to compatible hardware, but as 
a community service (personally I couldn't be bothered with OS9 
anymore:-).
2. Buy an Installer VISE license. If I read 
<http://www.mindvision.com/pricing.asp> correctly this would cost $500 
per year, probably for the next 2 years. This will only happen if 
someone else comes up with the money: I don't have it...
3. Switch to a different installer. Given the complexity of the 
MacPython distribution (even though it is a lot simpler nowadays, with 
only Carbon/PPC supported) I don't want to invest time in this. So: 
someone else will have to step in and create an installer.

I'd like to hear what people think the best course of action is, 
especially from people who have a current interest in MacPython-OS9 
(and/or are willing to donate time or money),
--
Jack Jansen, <Jack.Jansen at cwi.nl>, http://www.cwi.nl/~jack
If I can't dance I don't want to be part of your revolution -- Emma 
Goldman