Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.
To downplay the issue is to increase the damage done
Author: Brett Glass Posted: 8/24/2000; 9:28:28 PM Topic: Next survey: Are you an open source developer? Msg #: 20152 (In response to 20057) Prev/Next: 20151 / 20153
You write:I'm amazed at your volumnous capacity and tenacity on the subject of the GPL. I mean, not only on this discussion board, but all over the 'net.
That's because it is an important issue, and because too few people have recognized how much damage the GPL has already caused.
Anyway, I do not see how I am obligated to allow you to make a living from my creativity.
You're not. However, do not attempt to deny me the right to make a living via my own creativity.
When you release your code to be used at no cost by end users, you drive its market value to zero. Therefore, I cannot make a living from the code you released; it has no market value. I can only make money if I add new value to it that people are willing to pay for. I am not making money from your work; I am making money solely by virtue of my own. If you release the code under a truly free open source license, such as the MIT X license, I can do this. What the GPL does is attempt to confiscate my rights to my value added so that I cannot make a living. This is malicious and wrong.
--Brett Glass
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