Re[2]: [RE: RPG Code on the NET]

[pcunnane@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

     To emphasise one point about the GPL:  There is *absolutely no 
     restriction* placed on the right to sell code.  The only restriction 
     is that which prevents anyone from copyrighting the code, and 
     therefore denying others access to it.
     
     This is why the GPL makes such a clear distinction between the 
     concepts of "free speech" and "free beer".  If this needs to be 
     clarified further, look at Red Hat et al - they are selling Linux, a 
     free operating system.  If you don't want to pay them for it, download 
     it from the Net.
     
     ____________
     Paul Cunnane
     The Learning Company


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [RE: RPG Code on the NET]
Author:  Frank Kolmann <fkolmann@netscape.net> at InterNet
Date:    28-09-99 9:35 am


Dan Bale Wrote:
> BTW, Frank, you seemed to rip on those who desire to profit on sharing 
>their code.  If I misinterpreted, I apologize.  However, "free >enterprise" & 
"supply and demand" are basic Economics 101 principles.
>Is anyone going to pay me $20for my super-duper date routine?  
>No (well, at least, I don't think so...);
     
Dan you raise a good point.  I had not thought deeply about this entire 
concept of Free Software.  The Free Software Foundation base their arguments 
on the concept of Free Speech.  Now that I try to see the relationship I find 
the issue unclear.  This issue is very pertinant in that there is an alternate 
version of the GNU public licence that 
(I think) allows the sales of the software and I do not know how the copy 
rights are handled.  I suppose this whole thing to be something similar to a 
painting work of art where the painter initially creates something to express 
themself but later if the work is good it simply becomes a traded commodity, 
which in itself is a reflection on the original value of the work.  Very basic 
questions are raised here. The fundamental communal effort that is involved in 
such a concept raises issues of socialism and communism versus the issues of 
capitalism. I am sure there has been deeper discussion of these points by far 
greater minds than mine and that I am hardly qualified to expound.  It has 
been shown in the past that communal efforts are doomed to fail, their 
champions carry the day for a while but then grow old and weary and rarely is 
a new champion found for more than a gereration or two. Is Free Software also 
'tilting at windmills' I fear so but hope not. 
     
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