I've just reread this thread, and I've realised that I may be coming across as overly negative. That's not my intention. Sorry.

Anyway. Is the VAT requirement maybe because of the way sales are handled (accounting wise) in Ovi? I haven't really looked into this in great detail.

I can see a few ways forward with this issue:

• A developer consortium
• An alternative to Ovi
• Persuading someone at Nokia to change things

Each has it's pros and cons. At this stage, I can see a consortium being the most likely option. It would take lots of work, but it is doable. I remember something similar happening when the Orange SPV (WinMo phone) was first launched.

An alternative to Ovi is possible, Cydia has proved this. Again, lots of work.

Maybe the maemo community (that's all of us) could lobby Nokia to change things. If they can't, maybe they could at least explain why not.

I think the one thing we're all agreed on, is that Nokia are missing out on some great applications (revenue earners) here. The open SDKs combined with the raw "bedroom" talent out there will lead to some fantastic software products. But ONLY if developers can see some likely return on their efforts. A certain Fruit Based rival product has proved that.