RMS's paradigm stresses the value of support. Anyone can distribute any
GPLed code for free but many corporations dont want anything free (free
beer) unless accompanied by solid support. The author can certainly
support the software. Those that put some effort into understanding also
can. Cheapbytes can only give away, which in fact would cost them more
than their effort.
This infact cuts middlemen out. For the users? If the author does not
support, the software does not die. It lives on. There is always someone
else to do it. If the software is popular, the author lives on!
RMS has played a great role in what Linux is today. Which is all the more
reason why I want to whack SCO's on the head with a baseball bat.
David Andrews <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent by: Linux on 390 Port <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
01/05/2004 09:52 AM
Please respond to Linux on 390 Port
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
cc:
Subject: Re: Anyone Nagios?
On Mon, 2004-01-05 at 12:48, Fargusson.Alan wrote:
> Also incorrect. The GPL is not a license to steal.
Omigawd, I find that I have to come to Jay's defense. (What next, dogs
and cats sleeping together?)
The GPL specifically disallows any additional redistribution
restrictions. Recipients have the explicit right to redistribute, and
may not impose additional restrictions on *their* recipients.
Jay is right insofar that -- practically speaking -- you can only sell
your code for more than your distribution cost one time. Eventually
somebody like CheapBytes will come along and redistribute your GPLed
code for next to nothing.
--
David Andrews
A. Duda and Sons, Inc.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
