> but a preference for free of charge
I like tools I can inspect or modify and improve upon. the fact they are also, most of the time, free of charge, is an incredible bonus.
I should add that when I worked for others then license costs seemed more ok and a little more abstract. Now I pay wages then I'm less keen on those SQL server per processor costs.
I hope what I wrote in the blog didn't come across as visceral anti anything, especially making or spending money.
For me it's not a dislike for licensing costs, but a preference for free of charge; like all people I like a good deal when I see one.
Not to mention that most software requiring licensing costs also has additional handicaps, like not being able to look at the source code or fix it; which is really necessary sometimes, especially when your company is in the software business.