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> What makes telling you to wear different shoes any different? I am just > asking you to abide by my rules if you're going to make use of my resources. >
by matvore 6y ago
> What makes telling you to wear different shoes any different? I am just
> asking you to abide by my rules if you're going to make use of my resources.
>
> The GPL does the same.
Couldn't agree with you more, but Microsoft and other proprietary software makers have the same right (to dictate what people can do with their software). For some reason, GNU believes (as RMS has stated in various talks) that not sharing software is immoral.
Now, is not sharing software immoral because (1) it can be copied at no cost, or (2) because you can't morally tell people what to do with the bits once they have a copy of it ?
(1) is nonsense because creating the software has a cost, and anyway, just because something was free to you doesn't mean you can't charge others for it.
(2) is contradicted by the GPL if it tells you what you can do with the bits after you have them.
You can make the argument that free software results in higher quality software, but it's wrong to make a case for it morally as GNU does.
- hvis 6y agoGPL never says you can't charge for software. As for immorality, you can read the justifications here starting from item 4 (Voices from the Revolution): https://www.drdobbs.com/the-ethics-of-free-software/184414581 https://www.drdobbs.com/the-ethics-of-free-software/18441458...
- matvore 6y agoThanks for the link - that's an interesting read which I'll have to work through more thoroughly later. > GPL never says you can't charge for software. My point is not that the GPL is contradicting itself, but that the GNU philosophy contradicts the GPL. There is a quote in item 4 at that link you shared, which says: > I think that to try to own knowledge, to try to > control whether people are allowed to use it, or > to try to stop other people from sharing it, is > sabotage. Putting a paywall up is a method of control. I think I represented GNU's position fairly.
- hvis 6y agoAnd where's the contradiction? GPL software is always open, the knowledge is out there, and people can use and share it. The only thing you're not allowed to do is do a change and "close" it. It's like you're begrudging freedom fighters their actions because they are violating the feudal rights of their historical oppressors.