From: rchen@fraser.sfu.ca (Robert Chen) Subject: Linux users: PLEASE read the GPL and GLPL Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1993 18:47:23 GMT
A few days ago I ported parts of the GLPL explaining how it worked.
About a year ago (when Peter announced he was selling SLS), I ported
parts of the GPL explaining how it worked.
In one 24 hours period we have had:
>Subject: Re: Emacs tex-mode does not work
>everything else in the distribution, I also believe that I read in the GNU
>licence that only a small handling fee should be charged for redistribution
> ^^^^^
>Phil (the disgusted) [Phil (the uninformed) -ed]
and,
>Subject: GNU library license
>As i understand it the GNU library license requires that
>any commercial programs using it be provided with a link
>kit. Are there any additional restrictions in the case of
>the Linux specific libraries and include files?
Both of these are completely false. If you have not read the GPL and
GLPL, please don't post "your understanding" of them. After reading
the GPLs, also read the GNU MANIFESTO to help understand the
philosophy behind these licences.
1) Anyone have charge anything they like for Linux or any other
copylefted stuff. If you had any idea what support companies charge
to port free software to new platforms, you would be very suprised. On
the order or many thousands of dollars. The FSF likes it this way.
2) AT&T, Apple, and Lotus can get together in a big evil troup and use
GCC and the libraries to their heart's content to make proprietary
software - even patented software - without breaking the GLPL. They
don't have to give a link kit. They don't have to give you shit.
If you are using copylefted software, you have a basic responsibility
to read the licences.
My most sincere apologies to those in the linux community who
understand the GPL and don't seserve this post. I am just getting
sick of seeing good companies getting flamed for selling copylefted
software (a practice encouraged by the FSF), or people wondering if
they can "get around" the GLPL with dynamic linking (an absolutely
moot point - there is nothing to "get around").
- Rob