Let’s take a brief walk down technology memory lane. There was a time when computers were simple creatures that were time consuming, expensive, and added very little value to the users. During that time of great technological despair, computer programmers would license their work under terms like “freeware” or “shareware”. The terms were simple, if you liked freeware, that’s great, the programmer gives that to you for free, hence “freeware”. Then there was the friend of freeware, “shareware”. Shareware was different, the programmer put their payment information in (usually paypal or even a po box for money orders) and if people sent them money, the social contract was they would keep doing it (sort of like coding for tips).
So now that we’re all on the same page about what I’ll now refer to as #ShareWare and #FreeWare, let’s talk about #CareWare (a BigTB original). Under this “CareWare” license we are providing a really excellent piece of software for free. We anticipate offering a paid version that will include a small charge for customization on a per user basis (approximately $5/month). Because the overt goal of this technology is to help with BigTB’s mission to democratize access to information, technology, and opportunity, we now present you with the #CareWare license terms (in very simple terms), we provide as much technology as we can for free, but to support further innovation and development we need funding. Under a #CareWare license you are warmly welcome to pay to help support the development of the project and corporate sponsors are also welcome. A huge problem in the software space is the lack of alignment between technology development and how technology development is funded. Without the hard work of a lot of people, AinsleyChat technology would not be able to exist. In order for there to be more #CareWare, AinsleyChat needs supporters. Supporters get access to a supporter only community and features moving forward are developed, at least in significant part, based on feedback from that group. You also will unlock new features as they become available. This would include access to the upcoming customizable training (this lets a user upload pictures and/or videos of their expressions so the AI can be trained specifically on how their face works). Under the #CareWare license we also encourage people of all vocalization abilities to try AinsleyChat because it truly is fun! If you want to help support the democratization of access to alternative communication device technology, please consider becoming a monthly supporter of this very special project.