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I've taken to using LGPL for libraries, and GPL for applications. LGPL takes the stuff I like about BSD (everyone can use, including non GPL compatible stuff),

I've taken to using LGPL for libraries, and GPL for applications. LGPL takes the stuff I like about BSD (everyone can use, including non GPL compatible stuff), and adds some more stuff I want (viral nature). For instance, I've been working on a platform for "competitive programming", where people write AIs to play games against each other. The game engines (programs that coordinate the game between players) are licensed under GPL, for they are my work, and I want people to contribute back if they use something out of them. The game libraries are LGPL however, as I don't want to dissuade people from using the libraries, but would like them to publish improvements they make.

mattbriggs 15y ago
Call me an idiot for saying it, but I would rather believe that people fundamentally aren't jerks and rely on community spirit rather then legally enforcing cooperation :) I think the reason that happens for ruby and python is so many of the people using those platforms are startups where the technologists are the guys calling the shots, and it probably doesn't work universally, but I am glad I work in a part of the industry where we let people participate on their own terms, it just seems more meaningful. I totally get that it isn't like that everywhere though, and the only way to get good cooperation is to hold a gun to the head of large corporations.