There's been a gap between selling/shoping/sponging via the Android Market, and doing the same from random, disparate websites. Those two options may be fine if you've got the time, live in the United States, and don't mind Google's copy protection. But for others, another solution was bound to come along.

An open source outfit called SlideME launched paid applications last month, and have a cool client - SAM - for managing and  purchasing apps. While not exactly bursting with programs, I think it might be more well organized than the Android Market. And this one has screenshots ('bout time). Buyers can use credits cards for purchase, and coders can receive payments via Paypal or even with their own SlideME Mastercard debit account. Sellers who want protection can  employ SlideLock.

SlideME aims to make collaboration on software projects easier, and offers a "for hire" check-box during sign up to adjust your profile accordingly. It's free to download SAM, and a good chunk of the apps are free as well. So go ahead and check out the latest apps available from SlideME, and grab the SAM apk for s test drive.