Okay this is interesting. If I start Gimp 2.8 and then open or import an image to work on, it'll let me save to xcf or export no problem.
But if Gimp is invoked by right clicking on the image, that's when I can immediately save. So at least I have a workaround -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Desktop Packages, which is subscribed to gimp in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1269275 Title: GIMP 2.8 file save prevented regardless of permissions Status in “gimp” package in Ubuntu: New Bug description: Since upgrading to Ubuntu 13.10 incrementally from 12.04 LTS, package system automatically introduced GIMP as 2.8 BUG: When opening up a jpeg file in GIMP 2.8.6 to start editing, saving as existing or new file is impossible. Permissions: no indicator that this is a problem To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gimp/+bug/1269275/+subscriptions -- Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages Post to : desktop-packages@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp