How to make a donation to ProcessWire?

[artfulrobot]

I really appreciate ProcessWire as an open source CMF/CMS. I have used it for 3 websites now.

I understand that the Pro modules are a way to support the project, however I do not want to use any proprietary code because it feels like a backwards step; I like being able to use, bend, fix, study, share the software I use, and I actively contribute to dozens of such projects.

Is there a way I can make a donation to the work of the project without buying a Pro module?

[zoeck]

2 hours ago, artfulrobot said:

I like being able to use, bend, fix, study, share the software I use

You can also do this with the Pro modules. They are just PHP scripts like other modules. And you get access to the internal support forums of the corresponding pro modules.

Of course you can also just buy the modules and not use them to support Ryan 😉 

[Krlos]

4 hours ago, artfulrobot said:

Is there a way I can make a donation to the work of the project without buying a Pro module?

I totally get where you’re coming from and appreciate your support for open-source values. Personally, I keep renewing my Pro module membership even when I don’t need the new features. For me, it’s a way to back Ryan for all the amazing work he does. Plus, having access to support has been a lifesaver a few times when the forum couldn’t help.

Maybe reach out to Ryan directly through the ProcessWire website to see if there’s a way to donate. I’m sure any support would go a long way for the project!

Another idea could be setting up something like a Patreon or similar platform where the community could collectively fund updates to specific modules or even new features that aren’t currently on the ProcessWire roadmap. That might be a cool way for everyone to contribute in a more focused way!

[monollonom]

If you have a feature in mind you would need or some help you’d like to get on a project, there’s also the option to purchase a “Custom Development” block from Ryan.

I always wondered if someone used this in the past 🙂

[artfulrobot]

15 hours ago, zoeck said:

You can also do this with the Pro modules. They are just PHP scripts like other modules.

@zoeck Being physically able to do something is not the same as legally/ethically being able to do something. I haven't found the license that pro modules are provided under, but Ryan makes it clear they are not open source, so your rights are unknown. Common sense says that I'm quite sure he doesn't mind anyone making changes to their local copy but that I'm quite sure he would mind if someone started sharing the code/modified versions of it, or even selling it!

My interest in open source code is primarily sustainability - code that is openly shared/forked, has good leadership as part of an active team of developers, welcomes contributions. A closed product only exists as long as it is in the interests of its owner. If Ryan, God forbid, were to have a change of fortunes/interests, and shut shop, the open source code could be picked up by an interested community of developers and all our websites and services based on PW stand a chance of a future. The closed source products could not - legally - be continued. My biggest reservation in using ProcessWire is the business risks posed by its BDFL model / single point of failure in general and moreso with the pro modules.

My interest in this forum post, however, was just how to give Ryan a modest donation to help fund his excellent continued work! I'll try reaching out directly/via contact-form on website as @Krlos suggested.