Who we are   Organizations   Get Involved!   Helpdesk   Weblog   About FLORA   Server project   F.A.Q.

Election 2006 (and beyond): Digital Copyright Canada

Free/Libre Software and Community Networking FORUM

Re: Forwarded: rant against the GPL

From: keb_-at-_Cyblings.ON.CA (Krishna E. Bera)
Date: 10 Jul 2000 14:33:52 -0400
References: <Pine.LNX.4.10.10007101105440.1929-100000@calcutta.flora.ottawa.on.ca>

Russell McOrmond wrote:
>   Then again, I shouldn't be too harsh.  I don't use BSD licenced code
> when a GPL alternative exists for similar (yet opposite) reasons. I see
> BSD licenses as a "licence to steal" (IE: Derivative works allowed to be
> proprietary) and about as morally valid as Corporate Welfare. 

I see the BSD license as more like a forest or meadow or fishing ground near 
town on which people may do as they wish.  Without collective regulation 
on the use of that commons, pieces of it will be "developed" (overgrazed 
or paved/built-up) by individuals for their own ends to the detriment 
of everyone's enjoyment often poisoning the rest.  The point being, 
they have permanently removed a section of the commons from the public 
pool of resources.  Not a license to steal but an anti-social act
waiting to happen.

GPL and GFDL set conditions on the use of something that is inherently 
jointly owned by all humans able to communicate, namely ideas, 
algorithms, and recipes(software).  It is one solution to the classic 
problem of the "tragedy of the commons" 
(see definition at http://dieoff.com/page95.htm )

Please read the FLORA.org Terms and Conditions before you submit information to FLORA.org
Join the Blue Ribbon Online Free Speech Campaign (USA) (Canada)	FLORA Community Web (FLORA.ORG) is sponsored by FLORA Community Consulting (FLORA.CA).