Because GOG's official excuse for not supporting Linux is that they can't support it to the extent they want. Alphas are even worse in that regards as only the original developer can support that.

They won't even release the DOSBox games as a zip file because they don't want to damage their level of support.,

I agree, and branching out like this would be the right move for them, It'd put them in a similar category as Amazon and other tech giants, and not just a dealer in video games.

It's not that hard, desura does it after all. The problem is the need for client to faciliate the updates needed for such games and allowing devs direct upload access without interference of GOG QA. Also it was mere speculation as the fact that GOG was planning something big was already mentioned in 3rd quaterly report of last year. It's plausible thought as it would fill both categories. Optional client/improved downloader is much requested feature despite resistance.

Portfolio expansion usually means adding something company does not already provide so emulated classics? Android market (doesn't sound right to me)? Doubt it's Linux as it's just expanding potential userbase of current catalog and they saw it unprofitable just few months ago. Can't really see it being e-books, audiobooks, music or videos as that's too far out of GOG expertise.

Wouldn't gaining full independence mean buying all stock and pulling out of stock exchange or am I misunderstanding something?

Well, all we can do is speculate until more concrete information comes to light.

I concur. A big GOG-style DRM-free ebook marketplace would be a godsend.

Ooh, that would be just wow!
But it won't be that. Probably be a GOG client downloader:(

Why did I just get an icy chill down my spine. "New business model?" "Technological change?"

This could go very badly. :(

I hope that "new business model" doesn't includes regional pricing or VAT.

It already includes VAT.

I'm a metathesiophobe so I don't like this. Let's hope they aren't gonna screw up anything.

Also: DAMN you, Brasas! Incidentally I already had a tab open from the same website because I had to check some important stuff there. I closed it assuming that it was one of the GOG/Witcher tabs. And my browser already deleted the history. Will have to find the same article again.

Actually CDP's Polish-only store cdp.pl added e-books, audiobooks, comic books and movies to their offer. Sadly not all of those are DRM free.
The day when I can buy DRM-free version of Hellraiser comic book (at least Chris Monfette's run) and say 'goodbye' to Comixology would be one of the happiest of my digital shopping days :)

But not "extra" VAT like bundlestars or indiegala.

The risks of multitasking...
But I'm sure your google-fu will be up to the task.

I've been burned enough by digital businesses changing course that this makes me wary. On the other hand, GOG's team is full of good people who actually listen. I'm willing to hold off on contingency plans.

I honestly wouldn't be that interested in ebooks or music here. There's enough sources for those DRM-free that I don't think we need them here. If you think legal issues with games are complicated, ebooks and music can be even worse. Plus, ebook publishers haven't figured out that DRM-free != evilness and decay yet, so I just don't see that working.

Emulated console games would be *fantastic*, as would Android or Linux. Portfolio growth could also mean another major publisher, which would be equally awesome.

Couldn't care less about a client. Probably won't install it even if they come out with one. If it's a required update to the downloader, I'll just use my regular download manager.

I'd be interested in new game soundtracks being sold here (assuming GOG could still get soundtracks for free with older titles), but stuff unrelated to games wouldn't interest me either. That would be awesome.

I do think maybe an simple, optional client is a good idea for people that won't leave Steam because of the convenience. However I do want GOG to be careful as to how they take on Steam right now.