Business Models for WordPress Plugin and Theme Distribution

Business Models for WordPress
Plugin and Theme Distribution
What You Need to Know About the GPL

Presented by Jason Coleman
At WordCampPhilly, October 30th, 2010

JASON COLEMAN ∞ CEO, STRANGER STUDIOS ∞ M: 610-334-8508 ∞ JASON@STRANGERSTUDIOS.COM

GPLv2 License
• License.txt in root of your WordPress install.
• Online at: http://wordpress.org/about/gpl/
• “intended to guarantee your freedom to share
and change free software”
• Free as in “freedom, not price”. But…
• “These restrictions translate to certain
responsibilities for you if you distribute copies of
the software, or if you modify it.

WordPress on GPLv2
• http://wordpress.org/about/license/
• “Part of this license outlines requirements for
derivative works, such as plugins or themes.
Derivatives of WordPress code inherit the GPL
license.”
• What Drupal said: http://drupal.org/licensing/faq/
• WordPress: “we feel strongly that plugins and
themes are derivative work and thus inherit the GPL
license”


WordPress vs. Thesis
• Required viewing: Mixergy Interview with Matt
Mullenweg and Chris Pearson.
• WordPress: Themes and plugins are “derivitive
works”.
• DIYThemes: No they aren’t.
• Moot Point: There was also copied code in Thesis.
• But: Fair Use applicable to using code?
• End Result: Thesis moves to “split license”.


How does this affect me as a
WordPress developer?
When the GPL applies to you and
potential business models for your
themes & plugins.


Scenario 1: Contract Work
• From the GPL FAQ: “when the organization transfers copies to
other organizations or individuals, that is distribution. In
particular, providing copies to contractors for use off-site is
distribution.”
• If you distribute your code to a client’s server or through
contract to their ownership, GPL applies. i.e. They can (but
don’t have to) redistribute the code.
• SS-Ecommerce Plugin had a faulty license.
• Solutions?
– Host it on your own server?
– Work with the GPL.

• Let your clients know about GPL impacts.

Scenario 2: Plugin for Non-WP Site
• Examples: WineLog plugin. Disqus plugin.
• I don’t need to GPL WineLog code do I?
• No, just code distributed with the plugin*.
– Access data through APIs.
– Leave proprietary logic out of the plugin code.

• Still have a better featured version of WineLog
plugin running on WineLog WPMU install.
• Use common sense. Be careful.


Scenario 3: Selling Premium Plugins
• Assume the GPL applies to .php files.
• You can use your own copyright license for
images, CSS, and javascript*. (split license)
• Can use some kind of “modular architecture” to get
around the GPL. (s2Member)
• Remember: free as in freedom. You can charge for GPL
code!
• Phone Home or API Keys to unlock functionality.
• Obfuscation
• Charge for “other stuff”.

Business Models: Theme Co’s
• DIYThemes • StudioPress
– Personal Option: $87 one – GPL Themes
time fee.
• Use on one website. – One time $59.95-$84.95 fee for
framework.
• Forums
• Lifetime upgrades. – $24.95/subtheme (“turnkey
design”) or $249.95 for
• 30-day money back
framework and all subthemes.
guarantee.
– Developer’s Option: $164 – Unlimited sites.
one time fee. – Free support forums.
• Unlimited uses.
• Access to beta versions.
• Client Site Options


Business Models: Plugin Co’s
• s2Member Pro • WP e-Commerce
– Start with the free version in – Base plugin is free.
the WP directory.
– Charge for “premium
upgrades”.
– Charge $69 (single site) or
$129 (unlimited) for added
– Free support forums
features and modules for
PayPal Pro (checkout on your – Premium Support
own site).
– Consulting?
– I believe free version also
includes affiliate links.


Business Model: Paid Memberships Pro

• $60 for plugin + 6 months access to support
forums and updates.
• $10/month for support and updates after that.
• Includes compatible theme.
• Download just plugin code or bundle with latest
version of WP, recommended GPL plugins, etc.
• Affiliate links for Payment Gateways.


Discussion
• Business Models
– What to charge for?
– How much to charge?

• GPL
– Using it.
– Abusing it.

• Anything else?


About Jason Coleman
• Stranger Studios: www.strangerstudios.com

• WineLog: www.winelog.net

• Membership Plugin: www.paidmembershipspro.com

• Blog: therealjasoncoleman.com


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