[QGIS-Developer] Is it allowed to sell data in a QGIS plugin?

[Greg Troxel]

Info OpenGIS <info at opengis.it> writes:

> I agree that the descriptions must highlight that the plugin is used to purchase geodata and I would be happy if there
> was some sort of "in app purchases" label but let's not make the plugin repository become a new playstore or applestore. 
> At least I would manage the issue of user privacy externally.  I'm thinking about the fact that if you want to sell
> something you have to view the web page of your shop with qtwebengine and then manage user data through your site, then
> with the API you manage the data download via plugin.  It would also be ideal for users to run a single online shop. 
> What do you think?  I'm looking for a way to not get qgis in trouble if problems arise with user data.  By outsourcing to
> a site the problem would be the site's.

I don't really follow "not a new playstore or applestore".  The problem
with those places is that they are often the sole means, and enforce a
commission.  What we're talking about is totally different, following
f-droid's lead, which is just formalizing longstanding norms that Free
Software is expected to act in the user's interest, not the interest of
the people that distribute it.

The real issue here is that people are at least being seen as maybe
getting close to the line.  I'm suggesting being explicit to stay ahead
of that.