beg to differ [LWN.net]

beg to differ

Posted Sep 26, 2006 23:28 UTC (Tue) by Jel (guest, #22988)
In reply to: beg to differ by JoeF
Parent article: Some GPLv3 clarifications from the FSF

The intention with GPLv2 is that you can use the code INTERNALLY, in your
own organisation, without giving out the code. Again, the "restrictions"
of the GPL are restrictions AGAINST restricting freedom. The freedom to
enslave people is not a freedom that most ethical people miss. The GPL
simply stands up for such ethics, and makes sure that people are not
enslaved, by guaranteeing technological freedom via restrictions in line
with those ethics. You can argue that you'd like the restrictions
removed, but I'm afraid you will then be taking an unethical stance that
I have no interest in.

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beg to differ

Posted Sep 27, 2006 0:25 UTC (Wed) by JoeF (subscriber, #4486) [Link]

Nope. That is what you may think.
The fact is that the GPLv2 restricts distribution. Use, be it internal or external, is not restricted.
Again, the GPLv3 restricts the use, and therefore goes against the freedom you so stress. The GPLv3 restricts the freedom to use an application. Plain and simple. And that is bad.
And I would appreciate if you stopped accusing me of being unethical. It is you who is completely out of line with your slavery comparison. If I would use your line of "argument", I would have to argue that the GPLv3 enslaves people, by restricting the use of software.
What is next, restricting the use of GPLed software in stem-cell research, because that goes against the ethics of some people? Keep your political stand out of software licenses.

beg to differ

Posted Sep 27, 2006 9:07 UTC (Wed) by Jel (guest, #22988) [Link]

Well then I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.