I don't see any GPL violations but I don't think this experiment will work.
The "Official Version" idea is a trademarks issue, not a copyright issue so the GPL doesn't cover it.
The Abisource developers use a similar idea, "Abiword" is their trademark, it is the name (or mark) of the program *as they distribute it*, if you alter the source and recompile, you have to call it a different name (they suggest "Abiword Personal").
The charging for downloads is ok too. If the program was compilable, binary downloads would not be required.
The reason I don't think this will work is on accout of it's hairyness. I also think it goes against the some of the technical benefits of Free software.
It adds hassle to aquiring a current copy of the source, and creates a financial disincentive to upgrading (the user would have to pay again (at some point)).
Something rms says may apply here, this distribution method creates and artificial block to getting the software, artificial since it is not part of developing or using the software and is not a required part of passing the software on to others. This takes away from the net value of the software.
He goes on to give the example of motorways, if a tool booth was placed half way between each junction, a very fair way to get drivers to pay for roads would emerge, but the roads system as a whole would be devalued since an artificial hassle has been added. Roads should be charged for in a less invasive, equally accurate way such as taxing petrol.
His advice for how individuals can make money from Free software is a little thinner, it seems to boil down to charging for giving tutorials, charging for adding features etc., and charging for support. (i.e. charge for you time (which is limited), not for copies (which require no resources)).
I'm not a lawyer either, and I'm not an FSF staff member, but I hope this helps anyway.
On Tue, Mar 04, 2003 at 12:31:09PM +0100, Laurent Guerby wrote:
I'm not sure adding things to the license is the best way to do it, the GPL looks like it prohibits further restrictions.
I'm not a lawyer, may be FSF people can comment on it.