Re: Bitkeeper outrage, old and new

Jeff Garzik
2002-10-19T23:22:33Z

Larry McVoy wrote:
> I have no problem with the GPL, I think it's a fine license if your
> goal is to have things done out in the open with no hoarding. A great
> license, in fact. But I have a big problem with this constant harping
> on the term "freedom". The GPL absolutely positively does not grant me
> all the rights I want, it took substantial portions of my freedom away.
> I am not free to use GPL source in any way I wish and neither is anyone
> else.
>
> I'm OK with you having a free license, go make one. I'm OK with you
> sticking with the GPL, but then you get admit that it is not a free
> license and stop kidding yourself and others.

At the potential cost of getting flamed, I think it is worth pointing
out that the FSF's copyright assignment policy on several of their
projects is _very_ anti-freedom. You are required to relinquish all
your rights to your contributions, in exchange for the hope that the FSF
will protect them.

So, like the GPL, you are really _giving up_ rights and freedoms for the
overall cause of software freedom.

Jeff, who GPLs all the software he writes...