That perfect GPLv2

Posted Jul 28, 2009 21:32 UTC (Tue) by coriordan (guest, #7544)
In reply to: I want Minix's size but Linux's functionality.... by sbergman27
Parent article: A new GCC runtime library license snag?

The GPLv3 comment system required people to attach their comment to a specific lump of text. The people who wanted a nice, shorter licence made practically no suggestions.

Now the previously too-long GPLv2 has become "just right" and GPLv3 is the target of "make it shorter!" - I too wish that we could have it on the back of a beermat, but which unnecessary sentences should be removed?

That perfect GPLv2

Posted Jul 28, 2009 22:19 UTC (Tue) by sbergman27 (guest, #10767) [Link] (1 responses)

"""
Now the previously too-long GPLv2 has become "just right"...
"""

GPLv2 is still too long. But its length is, at least, defensible.

"""
but which unnecessary sentences should be removed?
"""

Honestly? This should do:

diff -u GPLv3.txt GPLv2.txt

(Make sure you have enough RAM + swap.)

The result is well tested, relatively bug free, and has a feature set which most people were reasonably happy with. Do we really have to wreck everything just to get back at Tivo?

That perfect GPLv2

Posted Jul 29, 2009 0:55 UTC (Wed) by jordanb (guest, #45668) [Link]

> diff -u GPLv3.txt GPLv2.txt

Clearly the solution for the FSF is to produce a GPLv4, thus rendering the GPLv3 "too long but defensible."

That perfect GPLv2

Posted Jul 29, 2009 0:47 UTC (Wed) by bronson (subscriber, #4806) [Link]

Oh, there were lots of suggestions. The FSF just didn't like them.

Ciaran, You and I had some back-and-forths right here on LWN back in the day. I was practically begging the FSF to remove the Tivoization language because, in my opinion, it was contorting the GPLv3 into a monster that only professional lawyers could understand. Ah, those were good times.

(I think I also mentioned on how painful it was to try to hold a conversation on the GPLv3's automated comment system. This explains my lack of feedback there anyway... Ii was like trying to critique a painting using a web form that only allows comments on individual colors.)

Ah well, water under the bridge. I still totally support the FSF. I do avoid the GPLv3 when I can, though, since I still don't completely understand it. If you'd like to discuss reducing the size of the GPLv3 by reducing its scope, rather than by shortening individual sentences, I'd be overjoyed to reopen that discussion.

That perfect GPLv2

Posted Jul 29, 2009 12:05 UTC (Wed) by DonDiego (guest, #24141) [Link]

> Now the previously too-long GPLv2 has become "just right" and GPLv3 is the
> target of "make it shorter!"

No, both should be shorter, version 3 just makes the problem worse.