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I think it should be possible to modify the GPL3 to disallow any usage in a for-profit setting - then you could individually re-license the code for different u
by munk-a 6y ago
I think it should be possible to modify the GPL3 to disallow any usage in a for-profit setting - then you could individually re-license the code for different users to privately consume (and, optionally, free them from the burdens of the GPL3's copy-left infection). There'd be some issues, any commits you pulled in from the community wouldn't be eligible for re-licensing unless your PR acceptance flow included securing re-licencing rights from them - standard GPL3 copy-left code can't be converted to a private license without the agreement of the original authors.
- purpleidea 6y ago> I think it should be possible to modify the GPL3 to disallow any usage in a for-profit setting That's not how GPLv3 works. Both in terms of selling [1] and in terms of additional permissions under section 7. GPLv3 without a CLA essentially requires you make the modified code available, but not when it's behind a cloud/webservice. For that you need AGPLv3. [1] https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/selling.en.html https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/selling.en.html
- munk-a 6y agoTo clarify - that's why I specifically mentioned a modification, the CC-Attribution-Non-commerical license accomplished this in a non-software setting so I assume a sufficiently practiced lawyer could make the modifications to the GPL3 to specifically disallow usage in commercial settings - this would, after the modification, not be GPL3 anymore of course. This does go against some philosophical decisions underlying the GPL license but IMO GPL itself is less free than BSD/MIT licensing and to each their own.