Posts tagged GPL
GPL Endrun: Value-Added Binaries
Mar 10th
An interesting hypothetical over at ESR’s blog, “Plug for a worthy project: Softbound“. I encourage you to read the post and commentary after my brief summary, so you can see if your thoughts change after reading the discussion there!
The Facts
SoftBound is a BSD-licensed “value-added” compiler. Give it some source code and it can produce “hardened” binaries that are more secure because they are immune to buffer overflows. It makes no changes to the source code.
The Hypothetical
A company, using a proprietary and closed “value-added” compiler compiles GPL software and sells the binaries. Source code available. Binaries locked up tight.
The Question
Is this a problem? More >
When Nerd Lawyers Clash: WordPress and the GPL
Mar 2nd
If WordPress were a country, our Bill of Rights would be the GPL because it protects our core freedoms. - WordPress Blog
I’m a fan of WordPress: not only is it the best blogging platform I have ever used, but it is also a big proponent of the GPL.
WordPress is a great example of high-quality, useful FLOSS software – one that has a successful business build around it, in fact.
The Problem
WordPress has always taken the position that themes should be released under the GPL, and even consulted the SFLC. The end result? “PHP in WordPress themes must be GPL, artwork and CSS may More >
On Selling Exceptions
Jan 14th
In the continuing and complex drama surrounding MySQL and Oracle, RMS expressed concerns on the acquisition, and later expounded on his position in “On Selling Exceptions to the GNU GPL“.
The latter document is an informative read, and Bruce Byfield has an insightful take on the situation in his article “Selling GPL Exceptions isn’t Exceptional“.
What Lies Beneath
Although the actual specifics are fairly interesting in and of themselves, I’m more interested in an underlying theme, one that Mr. Byfield astutely hits upon here:
Both supporters and opponents of the FSF sometimes seem to have created a set of straw figures to react to. More >
Debating the Best License
Sep 16th
The Free and Open Software Learning Centre held a debate on 3 common licenses. (more…)
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