On 12/13/06, Dean Michael Berris <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
..
> I don't understand why you hate the GPL so much, actually.
I don't know about "hate", it's such a heavy word... It's more that I
don't like it as much as I like the Boost Software License, the Apache
License, the MIT License, and even the BSD licenses. For instance, had
I put the library I've been working on under the GPL instead of the
any of the above licenses (Boost, Apache, MIT, BSD, and the like) I
would be limiting the user base by requiring that code/products that
link to it will have to be under the GPL too.
You know, I agree with you. The "infectious" GPL is not necessarily
the best thing for libraries. That's why the LGPL exists.
But I believe there are certain things for which the GPL is needed to
ensure that people "play nice." And I don't doubt that the Linux
kernel is one such place. I guess I am of the believe that
"infrastructure should be open and universal." But then where does
infrastructure stop? it's a vague definition.
Nevertheless, regarding the FOSS bill, I certainly believe it is
riddled with holes. BUT, it's the only game in town other than
proprietary. And, considering how our government operates, I am not
surprised that it is the way it is.
There's no point arguing about the semantics and wording of the FOSS
bill right now; because it will change tremendously if ever it sees
the light of day. There's no point arguing about what is as of yet not
a reality. And as I mentioned in my other email, this thing will
inevitably get watered down.
If the Free software community only asks for what is reasonable, it
will get far less than what is reasonable. So the community has to ask
for something totally unreasonable, in order to be able to make
concessions and still get some of its goals for this bill.
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