Bruce Momjian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > The fact is the MySQL and the FSF want to make the GPL reach as far as > possible, so there is no attempt to make a reasonable definition. In > fact, they rely on that fuzzy definition, and the threat of legal action > (legal extortion) to further the reach of the GPL as far as possible. > This is what bothers me the most --- license FUD (sounds like a new > term).
First, conflating MySQL and the Free Software Foundation is an error. As far as I know, the FSF hasn't said anything about MySQL's dual licensing scheme or about MySQL's interpretation of the GPL. The FSF is not the copyright holder of the MySQL source code. Your "legal extortion" claim is completely unfounded. There are many large companies (Microsoft and IBM come to mind) who need have no legal fear of the FSF. There are better possible explanations why no one has challenged the GPL in court than the absurd notion that everyone is terrified by the FSF's irresistible legal might. License FUD is also a ridiculous notion. People have had questions about the GPL (and other licenses), and people will continue to have questions. Copyrights and licenses are a complex subject and most of us are programmers, not lawyers. If you want to know how the FSF interprets the GPL in a specific circumstance, ask them. If the FSF interpretation of the GPL doesn't give you the rights you want, find or purchase code under a different license or write it yourself. Why do you want to try to circumvent the wishes of the copyright holder of GPL software? This is a morally bankrupt enterprise. If you hate the GPL so much, I encourage you to stop using gcc. ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- TIP 2: you can get off all lists at once with the unregister command (send "unregister YourEmailAddressHere" to [EMAIL PROTECTED])