Re: GPL only modules

["Dave Neuer" <mr.fred.smoothie@pobox.com>]

On 12/18/06, Theodore Tso <tytso@mit.edu> wrote:
> On Mon, Dec 18, 2006 at 10:38:38AM -0500, Dave Neuer wrote:
> > I think this is the key, both with libraries and w/ your book example
> > below; the concept of independant "meaning." If your code doesn't do
> > whatever it is supposed to do _unless_ it is linked with _my_ code,
> > then it seems fairly clear that your code is derivative of mine, just
> > as your sequel to my novel (or your pages added onto my book) don't
> > "mean" anything if someone hasn't read mine.
>
> For myself, I believe we actually get the largest amount of
> programming freedom if we use a very tightly defined definition of
> derived code, and not try to create new expansive definitions and try
> to ram them through the court system or through legislatures.  In the
> end, we may end up regretting it.

To be sure, we as programmers will have the most freedom if there is
no form of intellectual property protection for software at all
(imagine all of those Renaissance publishers whose sensibilities would
have been quite shocked by the suggestion that their distribution of
some author's work for a small fee was somehow "theft").

It's less clear to me that a more expansive "we" will be equally well
served, freedom-wise, by less protection though I'm very sympathetic
to the argument.

>                                                 - Ted
>

Dave