Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.

I don't think so

Author:Aaron Swartz
Posted:8/23/2000; 7:03:25 PM
Topic:Next survey: Are you an open source developer?
Msg #:20043 (In response to 20041)
Prev/Next:20042 / 20044

The GPL's intent and function is to turn open source software into a weapon against developers' interests by destroying markets -- and, ultimately, against consumers' interests by destroying choice.

Hehe. That's a good one. If I create software, I have the right to so as I please with it, no? So why won't you let me give it away?

One can get work done with Microsoft Windows (though it is buggy, slow, and prone to crashes) without having access to the source.

Perhaps they can get work done. But, as you point out, they cannot get work done well, they are not as productive as they could be were the code open source. Closed source software effectively harms many people's productivity. Is that right?

In response to Red Hat: Not a sustainable situation.

But notice how you overlook ArsDigita -- a company that:

I think it is a sustainable situation -- you just overlook it.

These companies do not own the software they sell; in fact, they cannot create unique value due to the GPL.

No, by their own choice they have decided to compete on a level playing field, for the betterment of all of society. They've decided to give up their proprietary advantage and instead try to do the best they can by competing on the grounds of features, functionality and price. Why can't you do the same, or are you afraid that you can't compete and so you must hold on to your special advantage?

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