Who invented the software ransom idea?
The idea was first formally proposed as the Street Performer Protocol by Kelsey and Schneier in 1998. Dropcash -powered software ransoms probably began with David Raynes. There are several examples of Paypal-based implementations (including the use of the “ransom” title) before then. Whoa! $xyz is way too much! The ransom amount is a final goal, reached by many people contributing smaller amounts. You can contribute as little or as much as you’d like. Rather than buying software for a fixed amount, you can pay whatever you feel the plugin is worth to you: $5, $50, $1, or nothing at all.
