I've sort of been following the discussion of the SMSQ/E license (yet again). I understand the viewpoints of both sides, but I think the practical side is not being seen.
One question I saw as something about if someone took the sources to SMSQ/E and made a commercial product, would TT profit. Nice question, but would this actually happen. I seriously doubt it.
Another issue is that the limit on the current license prevents some from doing development on SMSQ/E, some for principle reasons. I think if a programmer had the drive to make a change or update to SMSQ/E, he would do it and worry about how to sort it out later.
Yes, it would be nice if SMSQ/E was released on a GPL-like license. Yes, it would be nice for TT to be compensated for his past efforts.
In reality, I don't think that someone will abscond with SMSQ/E and make huge profits. I don't think that the current license will compensate TT for more than a trivial amount. We seem to be spending a lot if time discussing SMSQ/E instead of actually doing SMSQ/E.
The total number of persons that have the knowledge to contribute to SMSQ/E is very small. I'd rather see some discussion on what the community can do to help encourage these folks to work on SMSQ/E. I'd also like to see the various QL platforms merge so that they are more compatible.
I've been out of the QL active community for a while as I've been spending a lot of time running a non-profit (on top of work and home). I've learned not to sweat the time and dollars I've put into the non-profit, knowing it is serving the community.
Maybe our best bet for the future is to create a non-profit for the future of SMSQ/E. Proceeds from the sale of SMSQ/E would be directed to fund further development. Granted TT would not be getting compensated, but he could feel comfortable knowing that his work is going to a good cause. A board could be formed with both developers and resellers. Donations could be made to the cause and be tax deductible.
I for one would be willing to chip in a few shekels every now and again to help the community. I'm also willing to do any other work that I have the tech skills to do.
Tim Swenson
