Open BSS - Open Source Unix at Open Source Unix

I'm talking about good applications or web-based software like CMSs - how do they make money if the item is free or open source… How do they stop people ripping them off or taking the project in the wrong direction? what license should I get to make the most out of something I hope to write?

A few ways an single developer or team of developers can make money of a GPL or GNU license is by offering support on the software, charging for upgrades, getting hired for other work once your free software gets known. Also, the author can still charge for the software even though it is open source and free.

Essentially creating good free software is a good way of getting your name out there if you're a developer. The people who developed GAIM (now known as pidgin [www.pidgin.im]) were hired by Google.