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Merge pull request #6791 from squidfunk/docs/updating-faq
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Updated FAQs
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katharinalisalin authored Feb 17, 2024
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Expand Up @@ -8,25 +8,81 @@ below, ask it on our [discussion board]!

## General

[__Why is the Insiders edition offered as a subscription model?__](#insiders-subscription){ #insiders-subscription }

Material for MkDocs always was and will be Open Source, available for free to
individuals and organizations. As the project grew over time, we found that
maintaining and managing the overhead that comes with growth became more
challenging and time-consuming.

In order to sustain the project and add new and useful features more frequently,
we decided to create the [Insiders] edition, with early access to the latest and
greatest features of Material for MkDocs. The subscription-based model of the
Insiders edition allows us to dedicate more time and resources to the project,
which benefits all
users of Material for MkDocs. Once our funding goals based on monthly
subscriptions are hit, the Insiders features of those^ funding goals are released
to the community edition, letting everyone benefit from them.

Maintaining both the community and Insiders editions is an ongoing process, and
we rely on our sponsors to support us on a monthly basis, which makes this whole
project possible.
[__Why did we create Material for MkDocs Insiders?__](#insiders-edition){ #insiders-edition }

So, here's the deal: Material for MkDocs began as a passion project, which we
made open-source to share freely with everyone. However, as the project's
popularity grew over the last few years, so did the demands of its maintenance
and overhead. Faced with the growing demands and the tough choice between
discontinuing our efforts or dedicating ourselves full-time, we chose to commit
ourselves fully to the project.

To sustain this full-time commitment and to expand the team, we introduced
Material for MkDocs Insiders. This private Insiders repository, available
exclusively to our monthly sponsors, is where we first release the latest
advancements of Material for MkDocs. That way our sponsors get the
[premium features] in advance of all others users as a thank you for their
support. But here's the best part: once we achieve specific funding goals, these
advancements become available to the wider community. This model ensures ongoing
development and accessibility for all, keeping the project vibrant and
up-to-date.

We communicate these [funding goals] and their progress openly, ensuring our
community is involved every step of the way. It's our way of making sure that
while we do need the support to keep going, everyone will eventually benefit
from the advancements made possible by our sponsors.

[funding goals]: ../index.md/#funding
[premium features]: ../index.md/#whats-in-it-for-me


[__Why is the Insiders offered as a subscription model?__](#subscription-model){ #subscription-model }

You might wonder why we opted for a subscription model for the Insiders edition
instead of a one-time purchase. Here's the thing: Material for MkDocs is in
constant evolution. Our work is never done because there's always something new
on the horizon – be it adapting to upstream dependency updates, keeping pace
with environment changes like browser updates, or bringing to life
the new features and improvements our users wish for.

A one-time payment might seem appealing at first glance, but it's a bit like
buying a snapshot: great for a moment, but it doesn't stay current for long.
With a subscription, you're not just buying what's already been developed;
you're investing in what's coming next. You get all the future updates, bug
fixes, and new features as they roll out. This ongoing development is crucial
not just for keeping the project alive and kicking but for ensuring it
continues to meet your needs and expectations.

This subscription model is what enables us to dedicate the necessary time and
resources to Material for MkDocs, ensuring its sustainability and growth. It's
about more than just maintaining the status quo; it's about pushing boundaries,
improving, and innovating. When we hit our funding goals through these monthly
subscriptions, we will roll out the Insiders features to the community edition.
That way, the whole community benefits from the advancements made possible by
our supporters.

In essence, the subscription is a commitment to not just maintaining but
actively developing Material for MkDocs. It allows us to plan for the future
with confidence, knowing we have the backing to continue our work. This model
has made all the difference, enabling us to rely on our sponsors' ongoing
support and ensuring that Material for MkDocs remains a cutting-edge tool for
everyone.

[__Can I purchase the Insiders edition with a one-time donation?__](#one-time-donation){ #one-time-donation }

__For individual users:__
One-time donations, while appreciated, cannot support the ongoing development of
Material for MkDocs like subscriptions do. Our project's growth relies on the
steady support from subscriptions to fund new features, updates, and
maintenance. Therefore, the Insiders version is not available through a one-time
donation.

__For companies:__
We understand that some companies prefer one-time payments due to their
financial policies, and often require invoices for these transactions. If your
company is looking to support Material for MkDocs but needs to adhere to
specific financial practices, please reach out to us via email at
sponsors@squidfunk.com.

[__What features are included in the Insiders edition?__](#insiders-features){ #insiders-features }

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -258,7 +314,7 @@ that you would like to see on the list, we encourage you to

If you extend the number of sites that are in your current sponsoring limit,
please [upgrade your sponsorship] to a higher tier to continue using the
Insiders version and build more sites. The change will be effective immediately.
Insiders edition and build more sites. The change will be effective immediately.

[upgrade your sponsorship]: https://docs.github.com/en/billing/managing-billing-for-github-sponsors/upgrading-a-sponsorship

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -350,14 +406,15 @@ effective. From that day on, you will no longer receive future updates. However,
you are __welcome to continue using the latest version__ that was available to
you at the time of your cancellation for as long as you like.

Please note that [GitHub deletes private forks], so you may want to take steps to ensure
that you have a backup of the software if necessary and use the locally installed version.
Please note that [GitHub deletes private forks], so you may want to take steps
to ensure that you have a backup of the software if necessary and use the
locally installed version.

[GitHub deletes private forks]: https://docs.github.com/en/account-and-profile/setting-up-and-managing-your-personal-account-on-github/managing-access-to-your-personal-repositories/removing-a-collaborator-from-a-personal-repository#deleting-forks-of-private-repositories

## Licensing

[__What constitutes commercial use of the Insiders version?__](#commercial-use){ #commercial-use }
[__What constitutes commercial use of the Insiders edition?__](#commercial-use){ #commercial-use }

Commercial use refers to any use of the software for a business or for-profit
purpose. This includes any use by a corporation or other organization, whether
Expand All @@ -366,7 +423,7 @@ pricing tiers for commercial use, each tailored to the needs of different
businesses. It's important to note that internal use of the software within your
organization is also considered commercial use, as with all commercial software.

[__What constitutes non-commercial use of the Insiders version?__](#non-commercial-use){ #non-commercial-use }
[__What constitutes non-commercial use of the Insiders edition?__](#non-commercial-use){ #non-commercial-use }

Non-commercial use of our Material for MkDocs refers to private use. This
includes individuals using the Insiders edition for private or purely
Expand All @@ -389,7 +446,7 @@ to push this project forward.
please make sure to [upgrade your sponsorship] once your current sponsoring tier
limit has been reached.

[__Does the Insiders version have a different license?__](#insiders-license){ #insiders-license }
[__Does the Insiders edition have a different license?__](#insiders-license){ #insiders-license }

No. Whether you're an individual or a company, you may use Material for
MkDocs Insiders precisely under the same terms as Material for MkDocs, which are
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -465,7 +522,7 @@ Yes, all of our commercial benefits, such as logo placement and backlinks, are
optional and can be opted in or out at any time. You can keep your sponsorship
completely private.

[__How can I report a bug in the Insiders version?__](#insiders-bugs){ #insiders-bugs }
[__How can I report a bug in the Insiders edition?__](#insiders-bugs){ #insiders-bugs }

If you encounter a bug in the Insiders edition, we kindly request that you
report it on our [issue tracker] in the public community repository. When
Expand Down

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