Yeah, I understand that open source != free, and nor should it. However, I maintain that it's a bad idea to charge for code snippets.
I paid 50 euros for 'Wrox Beginning PHP'. I wouldn't expect to find the entire content free on the net. Why? Because it's a complete service and the service comprises a thorough tutorial in getting started with PHP/MySQL etc. from step 1 (installation) to step n (complete application).
If I call up my friend who knows a lot more than me and say, "Hey Ed, here's a cool function that I've written, but it doesn't work. What's the catch?", I would expect him to give advice for free. If, however, I call up my friend and say, "Hey Ed, you know loads of stuff about programming, what say you give me an online tutorial on Python (open source) for complete beginners so that I can apply it to an application that I want to create?", he will do one of two things: 1. Tell me to buy a book; 2. Agree and offer to do it for 1000 euros. I would be happy with both those responses because they are fair reactions to a request for a comprehensive service.
Let's not stop helping each other out with free advice and code snippets and by all means charge for anything that goes over and above that.
Norman
