The Blender community relies heavily on the generosity of its users to support its development. One way this support comes in is through the purchase of products from the Blender Store, which helps fund the creation of new features and updates. As someone who has supported several addon developments by purchasing them before they were made freely available, I can attest to the importance of this financial backing.

Another way that users can contribute to the development of Blender is by purchasing commercial addons. According to the Blender license terms, it is possible for developers to sell their creations, which can help sustain the project over time. This option is particularly valuable since not everyone may be able to or choose to donate to the cause.

In a related vein, I'd like to address a common misconception about open-source software. Just because an operating system like Linux is open-source doesn't mean that every piece of software that runs on it must also be free and open-source. Similarly, being open-source does not necessarily require that a product be given away for free.

Furthermore, just because Chaos Group sells V-Ray render for Blender doesn't mean they don't understand the concept of open-source. It's simply an option available to users who may find it more suitable for their needs than other rendering software. No one is forcing anyone to use V-Ray - it's merely there as a choice.

It's also worth noting that professionals in the industry don't always have the luxury of working with free software. They often put in countless hours and resources into developing their skills, and may need to rely on commercial products or services to get the job done. Even Blender professionals who dedicate their time and expertise to the project often look for financial support through donations and profits.

In conclusion, the Vray render for Blender is just one of many options available to users, and its availability does not undermine the principles of open-source software. By recognizing the value that commercial products can bring to the table, we can continue to support the development of Blender and other open-source projects in meaningful ways.

Vray render for blender