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I've found that most of the fear comes from the misconception that the GPL could force your code open against your wishes. In the US, that's simply not possible
by callahad 17y ago
I've found that most of the fear comes from the misconception that the GPL could force your code open against your wishes. In the US, that's simply not possible.
Check out this article on Groklaw ("The GPL is a License, Not a Contract, Which is Why the Sky Isn't Falling") for more: http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20031214210634851 http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20031214210634851
I've found it helpful to clear up that misconception, point to past infractions / events, and try to humanize the free software community. In most cases, there isn't a litigious company lurking in the shadows, and a show of good faith will go a long way. It's also quite useful to direct attention to high profile products that are safely using and modifying GPL'd code, like the Kindle.
- jballanc 17y agoI've never thought the fear was that proprietary code would be forced to have its source opened. I was under the impression that the fear for large companies has more to do with injunctions on sale and/or distribution as a result of license violation. Try to tell Microsoft that they can't sell Windows for the next week and see what they think of that...
- callahad 17y agoBoth are very real concerns; the CTO of our division, representing a large chunk of a 50,000 person organization, was certainly very concerned about the chance that things would be forced open.
- duncanj 17y agoYet, oddly, they don't seem to fear the very real consequences of the BSA coming and shutting them down for an "audit".