Re: GNU licenses

[mike4ty4]

David Kastrup wrote:
> mike4ty4@yahoo.com writes:
>
> > Wei Mingzhi wrote:
> >> If you don't allow me using your code, then I don't allow you using
> >> our code too. That's just fair.
> >
> > I don't know. To me it seems like a way to slowly strip owners of
> > their rights to their original works.
>
> There is nothing "slow" involved here.  If you use any copyrightable
> part of GPL licensed software without negotiating a different license,
> you are bound by the full GPL.  As with any other license.
>

As more code becomes GPL then the amount of non-GPL code shrinks,
and since the agreement requires one to make all original works
containing
GPL code GPL, it goes up fast. Of course it depends on how many people
use the GPL code, though.

> > I can let you use my own code, but that does not mean I have to
> > require you to give me yours (provided no GNU stuff is
> > involved).
>
> You set the conditions for other people using your _own_ code.  That
> is the prerequisite of the copyright holder.
>

Yep.

> > Your code is your ORIGINAL WORK, and I don't see why I have to have
> > you make it free to me.
>
> You are free to license your _own_ software under any license you
> want, including giving them into the Public Domain.
>

But *why* do you (or whoever came up with this GNU thing or whatever)
want to tell people to do things with _their_ code if they use _your_
(GNU)
code?

> But it sounds like you are rather whining that you can't license your
> own code under more restrictive terms, so this is just a bunch of
> crocodile's tears, apparently.
>

I know I can, and that's why I don't like GNU, because using the GNU
code
"forces" you "automatically" (note the quotes -- if you defy the
"force", ie.
the terms, you are breaking the law, it's your choice to use the code
so it's
not automatic in the sense you might think I'm using) to make your
originals
that use it GNU. I just don't understand why it's made that way!

> -- 
> David Kastrup, Kriemhildstr. 15, 44793 Bochum