On Mon, Jan 05, 2004 at 06:29:19PM -0800, Ranga Nathan wrote: > I agree. Where woudl be all the software without GPL? > > Let us picture this: > > If as a developer I want to develop a software that I think will be of > wide-spread use and provide me a livelihood, I could pitch it on > sourceforge.net and invite others to join in and contribute. I can then > offer the software to customers and offer customization or support. The > other developers can do the same. I get to receive authorship, can > possibly write a book (royalties), support money, some lecture tours and > some fame. Much of this can translate into a decent revenue stream. When I > am bored, I can pitch another project. If I want to quit supporting, I can > do so in the comfort that there are others who will pick up the ball and > run. Everyone goes home happy.
There is absolutely nothing in this scenario that requires the software be licensed under the GPL. Any Open Source Definition-compliant license will serve.
