Buy a Mac, get TextMate!

Update: Please no more letters asking for free licenses!

I get a fair number of letters asking me to port TextMate to other platforms (not to mention that “textmate for windows” is now in the top 5 of search phrases I receive hits for) — mostly I politely reply that I am presently not interested in doing a port (from now on though, I will just send a link to this post).

Occasionally I write a bit more, as was the case with Chris Campbell. He sent me back the image below where you can see part of the conversation (click to enlarge).

I love how Chris took the time to set this up and email me the picture. It deserves to be preserved in the form of a blog post :)

It also made me look into setting up a dedicated program for “buy a Mac, get TextMate for free” (in a way where I would still get some revenue). Unfortunately Amazon’s operating agreement for their affiliate program says:

In addition, you may not: (a) directly or indirectly offer any person or entity any consideration or incentive (including, without limitation, payment of money (including any rebate), or granting of any discount or other benefit) for using Special Links on your site to access the Amazon.com Site (e.g., by implementing any “rewards” program for persons or entities who use Special Links on your site to access the Amazon.com Site);

That is no good. At Apple I can only find a .Mac affiliate program. So does anyone have an idea about how to handle this? And preferably in a way where it could be fully automated.

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