[mdlug] GPL

[bob dion]

Robert Adkins wrote:
> bob dion wrote:
>> Robert Adkins wrote:
>>   
>>> Bob Dion wrote:
>>>     
>>>>  > If RMS never compromises how did we get the LGPL? That was a compromise
>>>>  > > on Stallman's part.
>>>>      If someone wanted to write the LGPL, would they have really needed
>>>> his blessing?
>>>>
>>>> Apparently so, cause that's what happened. If someone wanted to release 
>>>> their own version of the GPL I guess they could, but than again it could 
>>>> not be call *GPL* .
>>>>
>>>> BD
>>>>       
>>>     I wouldn't expect it to be called the GPL.
>>>
>>>     Although, it strikes me a bit funny that his blessing would be 
>>> needed as it seems in rather stark contrast to what the GPL is all 
>>> about: "Take what you want/need, make your changes, share the results." 
>>> (Unless I missed the part where RMS is the be-all end-all of all GPL 
>>> software development...)
>>>
>>>     
>> Why funny, because the GPL license, (this is not software), it self is 
>> protected by current copy right laws just like all GLP software?
>>
>>   
>     A license is a set of rules that two or more parties agree to.
> 
>     While the words and wording of the license may well be copy right 
> protected, the actual rules themselves cannot be copy right protected. 
> Thus, if someone wanted to start from scratch and make their own "GPL" 
> license, they wouldn't need his blessings, unless they wished to borrow 
> exact wording.
> 
>     Of course, code itself is written down, just like any license. So, 
> if the code itself must be held to that arbitrary standard why should he 
> expect, or demand to have his blessing applied if someone were to take 
> and extend and then give back a version of his license? (I see little 
> difference between written code and a written document.)
> 
>     Sure, the person making this new license shouldn't call it the GPL, 
> just like nobody can run around calling their new Linux, "The Red Hat 
> Linux!" , that's where Trademark protection comes in.
> 
Because the license it self is not protected or governed by the license 
it self.

Feel free to keep arguing if you wish.....

BD