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So what's Right and what is Wrong with the GNU GPL?

What's your take on the GPL and GPL'd source code and how it affects the way businesses write code and make money from their intellectual investment?

I've read the comment that the GPL is considered by some to be 'boobytrapped', can anybody please explain this stance?

By Riaan Moll at 2005-08-05 06:58 | LtU Forum | previous forum topic | next forum topic | other blogs | 2893 reads

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Off topic

Rather than wait for some-one else, I'll jump in and ask what this has to do with programming language theory (the topic of this site).

That said, the booby-trap FUD about the GPL is in that a work released under the GPL cannot be un-GPL'd. I say "FUD" this is no more a "booby-trap" than any other clause of the GPL, or any clause of any other licence.

The FUD about the GPL's "viral" aspects is a result of the fact that a work derived from one obtained under the GPL must also be licensed under the GPL.

The answer to all the objections against the GPL as a matter of principal is, of course: if you don't agree to the licence, then do not use the code (or release your own code under it).

By Thomas Sutton at Fri, 2005-08-05 07:21 |

Thanks

Thanks, Thomas, I think you've summarized this well. With that, I'm closing comments on this thread.

By Anton van Straaten at Fri, 2005-08-05 07:39 |