Re: OpenCLIPS License was: [Openclips-development] Joining OpenCLIPS

[Thomas S. <ths...@gm...>]

On Thu, 07 Oct 2004 06:48:52 -0700, Tim Cook <tw...@sh...> wrote:
> On Thu, 2004-10-07 at 03:31, Michael Giordano wrote:
> 
> > >2) We're debating the BSD license versus going with the GPL, do you have a
> > >preference?
> >
> > The BSD license certainly seems simpler. I guess the question is "Do we
> > want to install a mechanism to 'force' other developers to share their
> > work?". In the end it makes no difference to me. As long as the
> > license keeps me from getting sued :-)
> 
> My position on the license is that there is a public domain version that
> is being maintained for those that want a free (as in beer) no
> restrictions version. We can't change that but we can use all of what
> has been done so far just as they commercial versions have done.
> 
>  With the GPL we get the other extreme.  This may/should attract others
> that want to participate where they know their efforts will contribute
> to the common good without being hi-jacked as the PD version allows.
My main objection/s to the GPL is that:
    a) It is too long: I can't read and understand (IANAL after all).
    b) Choosing the GPL seems to be as much a political statement as a
licencing action,
       what with all the rhetoric that goes with the FSF and GPL.

I do agree with the points Tim has raised, there is already the PD
version of CLIPS for people to use for any purpose, so we are free to
pick a more restrictive licence, so to speak. At this point it is
fairly moot, but we need to sort it out now before there are
contributors to ask later.

I suppose I'll say yes to the GPL then. I can see the benefits, my
only real objection is my distaste for the grandstanding and rhetoric
of the FSF. As I'm the only holdout that makes us officially GPL'd
doesn't it?

Cheers,
Thomas