Marketing/selling bundled third-party FOSS

[Aravisian]

@bizzehdee

The original question asked WHAT are the tools, and why are they not listed? If I am buying something, I would expect to know what it is that I am buying.

Please see this post that links a list:

What Apps Are Exclusive to Zorin OS Pro (Not in Core)?

Here are some of the programs mentioned (look which programs are shown as pre-installed on Zorin Pro)

@bizzehdee

Also, "based on" I would generally assume to mean "downstream/upstream". ZorinOS does use ubuntu and its packages as its based doesnt it? Or am i wrong in assuming zorin is based on ubuntu when zorin uses the ubuntu packages (not just the package system), and the base OS as its starting point?

Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu. This is covered in almost every article that discusses Zorin OS and extensively on the forum.

@bizzehdee

My only problem is HOW it is sold, and to me, it seems to be being sold in a way where if it was Microsoft or Apple doing the same thing, people would complain that what you get is hidden,

I agree. There are many valid concerns with the model.

• Using the Zorin Upgrader tool; a Pro user is not offered the option to upgrade to the next Core release, only Pro. This locks the end user in.
• The ZorinGroup operates on a "release when ready" Policy; but this creates a situation where users cannot plan ahead for upcoming releases or can buy Pro very shortly before a major release. A lot of frustration is expressed by users that bought Pro two weeks before the next release and that is an unfair amount of pressure on the end user.
• The Zorin OS Page does not have an ingredients list. This creates uncertainty about what the buyer is getting.
• The price of Pro is the Combined Price of Pro Lite and Pro Core. After Zorin 19 is released, will the cost for Pro be reduced given that the ZorinGroup is abandoning Lite?
• Lack of roadmap, open announcements and general communication. Supporting through Pro feels a bit blind.

What you get with Zorin OS is an ad-free and data/privacy safe experience, whether using a paid or unpaid tier. Because costs are covered by sales of Pro.
And supporting the project allows its stability and long term availability.

In general; I believe that supporting the project financially gives the end users more sway in development. The developers will listen to the paying customer and if it not us... then whose interests are being listened to?
Sadly, with Zorin OS, I often feel that it is not the end users interests being listened to, despite sales of Zorin OS Pro. Actions speak louder than words and Zorin OS feels responsive to Corporate interests more than the interests of the End User.

Why is it that End User feedback is being ignored - even as a very small example - in regards to Balena Etcher? Or much larger; like the dispute over Wayland being set as default prematurely?

It is often on the forum, that supporters of Zorin OS will speculate excuses for the ZorinGroups decisions, even when they are not really defensible. The ZorinGroup has many options and even could and is fully able to expand their team size - but won't.

I will be fair in my assessment of Zorin OS; the good, the bad and the ugly.
Where it shines, I will say so. Where it falls short, I will say so just as enthusiastically.