Thought I'd throw my two cents in on this issue. I've been using and buying software (including many different OS's) and I'm done doing it with Zorin. For one thing the amount of time that lapses between releases is far too short to justify having to pay the full price for an upgrade. They mention Windows and Mac but I should remind everyone that they go years between official full version releases and for the most part anyone can get a copy of their OS for free. Especially Mac, they give it away on the Apple store.
Also, for what you're paying for, it's simply not worth it. I don't know if it's their marketing or what that has driven us this far to upgrade but if you think about it, you can download (from Zorin) all the features that make it a pro version anytime you want for free. As far as the "Oh but the layouts are amazing" there are a million (give or take) google videos and other places you can go on the net that teach you how to customize your Zorin to have the exact same looks and layouts. I have purchased the last 3 'upgrades' they have offered, but I'm done. I don't mind supporting peoples good work but when you're not really getting anything for it that's just not good common sense. Anyway, that's the end of my rant. I'm sure there will be those that won't agree and to that I just say "Let the flame wars begin".
You're getting Zorin OS. The templates and software are just rewards for donating. The word Pro was maybe a poor choice because it implies an upgrade which it really isn't.
Forget the flame war, I don't see that happening here.
I think it is down to marketing. True they include additional software that you could download yourself, but the schematics (Zorin Appearance) is not readily available elsewhere. Plus they try to make Gnome useable, but for me KDE Plasma is now my preference. Once you have Plasma installed you can theme to your heart's content.
In earlier releases, Zorin used the term 'Ultimate'. They also used to offer 'Zorin Business' and 'Zorin Multimedia'. I think at one time there was more than the two Zorin Brothers, but believe they are now down back to the two of them. A lot of GNU/Linux distros have gone to the wall because not enough funding came to the Developers way. If you don't need Pro, then don't buy it. Additionally you can always make a small donation to the Distribution as an alternative to purchasing Pro. At today's prices, Zorin Pro might be a steal considering I paid £43 for SuSE Linux 9.3 Professional over 20 years ago!
Yes, I agree. No one is being forced to pay for Pro (whether it is a good name or not). Those who want to jump through the hoops for making a theme/designing their setup, they are more than welcome to do so. For me, at least, it is a way to support the project and insure that it continues.
At the bottom right of the page there is a link that says Donate. There are many options to choose from. No one has to get Pro to support Zorin OS.
The word implies "for design folks." There is a specific group of helpless folk, that use Mac OS and the like, and they don't want to be labeled as "dumb," as in "too dumb" to use two mouse buttons, so Apple offers a mouse with only one button, and the iPhone only uses fingers! So, you just tell'em, they're "pro". Flattery.
I hear you but with discount for buying 17 Pro recently it only cost $24 for 18 Pro. That in my opinion is a steal and I may add an extra donation after I actually do the upgrade to 18 Pro.
I went the donation route. After wanting Pro so long I figured out that I have no use for the software or install support and my fav template is the first one.
And $50 is no small thing for someone on Social Security. On the other hand a small recurring donation via Paypal I won't even notice. And I can stay on Core.
I previously purchased and used version 17 of the Pro version. However, I now use version 18 Core.
The reason is simple: I don't need the additional programs and designs that come with the Pro version.
That's why I deliberately chose the Core version and made a donation via PayPal instead.
Ultimately, it's the same thing: anyone who chooses the Pro version should also see the purchase price as a form of support.
My first computer was an Intel 286 running Dos 3.1 so I have been around for a while. I have been using Zorin for some time now because it does what I need it to do without Windows nonsense. I am now Microsoft and Google free and get all my work done on Zorin without those two data brokers. I now use Zorin Pro. I have no need for the included software or desktops in Zorin Pro.. I feel that I do have a need to say thank you in my small way to Artyom and Kyrill for giving me what I need.