Why should I pay for Slackware?
 

Pat provides complete downloads of Slackware for free. I am free to download and install Slackware on as many computers as I wish. In addition we are free to modify and re-distribute Slackware as a derivative with no penalty or charge (Zenwalk, Salix, Microlinux). In the light of these facts why in the hell would I want to pay for Slackware when it is free?
I pay for a Slackware subscription to help ensure that my primary operating system continues to exist. Once every year or so when a new version of Slackware is released a shiny new Slackware DVD arrives on my doorstep. I get a wonderful operating system and the satisfaction of knowing that I am supporting Slackware. If you love Slackware like I do then I would like you to consider the possibility of purchasing a subscription. Or you can buy some amazing swag at the Slackware store.

Get a Slackware subscription

Slackware store

P.S. I am not affiliated with Slackware in any way. I've been a happy Slacker since 2004 (version 10.0).

Whenever I upgrade to a new release I make a donation, usually in an amount that I would pay for a boxed version in a store (like in the old days). If it's been a long time between releases then I'll double it.

While I think that Slackware is a wholly worthwhile cause to subscribe/donate to, clickbait is the lowest form of advertising and I hope that you are not trying to guilt anyone into donating/subscribing for Slackware. Honestly I think that this thread should be deleted.

Not at all. As I stated I am not affiliated with Slackware. I am sharing my enthusiasm about Slackware as a happy end user. Slackware is free and if you don't want to pay for a subscription then by all means download it for free. If you feel inclined to support Slackware then do so. That is how open source software works. If you feel guilty or offended by this thread that was not my intention. I suggest that your reaction is a bit over the top.

And from the other west Texas member. I bought 2 T-shirts and wore one last evening to a biker bbq/beer/bike fest in 110F heat.

There should be more threads like this. Funny part is. I am not a Slackware user.

Was just thinking how Slackware saves me a lot of money I'd otherwise be spending on less free computer solutions, it is pretty amazing.

Slackware keeps my old hardware around longer than intended, probably. It has helped make my crap kindle useful again with all kinds of tools, I really appreciate it. I appreciate this thread so I marked it excellent too. :-)

One day I won't be able to afford a subscription, may it never happen. But if it does, there is nothing stopping me from promoting Slackware and the team, or just saying thanks. Cheers.

Have fun!

I think that referring to the original post as clickbait may be little strong, but I must confess that I clicked on this thread because the post title seemed to imply the opposite of what the post content turned out to be.

My views on supporting Slackware and other distros and software are well-publicized here at LQ. If you have the wherewithal to do so, by all means give back to the community, and dollars are a great way of giving back if you aren't a coder, as I aren't.

That reminds me, I need to look into my Slackware subscription. I lost my credit card and had to get it reissued with a new number and expiration date; I think that killed my subscription. (I have been donating the optical disks to my local DAV thrift store hoping that someone interested in Linux might buy them and become One of Us).

that's the spirit.

Years ago I ordered several T-shirts from the slackstore. They got old, torn and this year I ordered the same ones again. So, wearing the same outfit again. I guess that's one of the signs I am getting old...

Hehe... I also ordered several shirts years ago. Only two of them remain, one Slackware Black T-Shirt and one Slackware Polo Shirt. The other ones were one more Slackware Black T-Shirt, a white Got Slack? T-Shirt, and a blueish Serious Slackware T-Shirt. It's getting time to refresh my wardrobe...

Another item that is pretty popular over here is the Slackware Mouse Pad, of which I must have bought three or four.

I also have a Slackware keychain-annex-bottle opener, which, however, no longer seems to be available from the Slackware Store (at least, not that I can see).

I do not have a Slackware subscription, but I have been buying the releases ever since version 9.0 or 9.1. When I order a new release, that's usually also the time to take a look at which other items I want to buy.

Member response
 

Hi,

We as Slackware users do believe that support is very important since Slackware is PV's income from the store and other contributions to Slackware.

As to click-bait, You do not need to click the link. No one is forcing someone to click on the link. I see no forceful intent nor shaming to contribute to the Slackware project. You do or you don't contribute to the Slackware project.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!
:hattip:

someone has to else the server would go down and no one could get it for free. :D

What about individual software packages?

I did linux from scratch a long time ago, after that experience I started paying for Slackware. It really put in to perspective how much work and knowledge it takes to maintain a distro.

Member response
 

Hi,

If you want additional packages then look at; https://slackbuilds.org/

or

for Alien's packages at; http://www.slackware.com/~alien/slackbuilds/
You can also look at the /extra directory on the install DVD for additional packages.

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!
:hattip:

If someone wants to pay for Slackware they can, if someone is not able of doing so or do not want for another reason they can do that too. I'm grateful that Slackware is available with such freedom of choice. Personally I am far less likely to pay for Slackware every time I have to read a thread like this which is basically white noise and peer pressure.