On Tue, Aug 21, 2001 at 03:07:57PM -0700, Dennis J. Eberl wrote: > > I don't really care very much about this issue, but my opinion is that using > "mySQL" as part or their domain name is deceptive Maybe I misunderstand capitalism, but isn't it "capitalising on resources available to you, that other's don't have access to, or know about"? If I'm correct, deception is a cornerstone of capitalism. and ought to be considered > a trademark violation. Trademarks are not "natural", in the sense that copyright is. Anyone naive enough to contribute code to mySQL.org > is contributing to NuSphere's bottom line (their fork of MySQL) without > knowing it. If they have a problem with that, then they should enlighten themselves. Even if NuSphere forwards all contributions to MySQL AB (they > probably do), they are merely redundant at best and are creating more work > for Michael Widenius, creator of MySQL, who reworks all code that makes it > into MySQL. > And that wouldn't happen if, say, *I* sent a patch to MySQL AB? I doubt ANY self respecting software author would blindly add contributed patches to his/her codebase. > > >> MySQL.og makes statements > >> like "mySQL.org is dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the fast, > >> free, and flexible MySQL database. We provide the Open Source community a > >> center for free downloads, information and communication, as well as all the > >> files you need to build applications based on MySQL, the #1 open source > >> database." > > > > So? What's wrong with that? > > It's a lie. No it's not. They want people to use these tools ... so they can make money supporting them. NuSphere is dedicated to NuSphere, not to making the open source > software that it uses as a money making tool -- not just, MySQL, but also > Apache, Perl, PHP. But, hey, caveat emptor. > Apache, perl and php are *NOT* GPL. In fact, their licenses are A LOT like the BSD license. www.perl.com is still displaying NuSphere ads, so I don't think they are too angry with them. > Not so fast. RedHat, Mandrake, Caldera et cetera make no bones about being > businesses that package Linux and GNU software in an "easy to install" form. > NuSphere hides behind a phony web site pretending to be a champion of open > source. It's a fine point. If you don't get it you don't get it. > And you've never heard or read "I just installed Linux 7.1"? Obviously, the people who write and say such things have been decieved (or didn't read the fine print). > > > I don't think this dispute is cut and dry. I think MySQL AB is complain- > > ing that mysql.org portrays itself as the "authority" on mySQL. If you > > were trying to make money on support, wouldn't you try to protray > > yourself as an "authority"? > > I'm tired and not to focused today, but let me try giving your thoughtful > question the thoughtful answer it deserves. I would say that if you really > were an authority on something and in business, you not only have the right > but the duty to your investors to "portray" [your word, not mine] yourself > as such -- and proudly put your _name_ on that portrayal, not hide behind a > bogus domain name. Sorry. That's the best I can do at the moment. Notice > that RedHat et alia don't pretend they are something they are not. > They do recruit developers to work on (THEIR version of) Linux ... But I understand what you're saying about them being more open about their intents. > Good for you, Jacob. MySQL is still shark meat. > Then that's THEIR problem. I understand that the laws, and probably business practices, in Sweden are different than in the US. All I can say is "Tough luck, you shuld have done your homework." > Final comment. I sent the webmaster at mysql.org an e-mail explaining my > position, which is (1) that the domain name is deceptive and in my view > unethical, and (2) that the lame brain corporate yutz who dreamt the idea up > ought to get canned. I have no problem with NuSpere bundling a product, but > their fine print is a little too fine for me. > Yes, yes, YES! *That's* the way to handle it. NOT in a court of law. -- <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
