[OT] GPL, was Re: Linux and music

[Phillip L. Harbison]

Thomas Hudson wrote:
> Sean Costello wrote:
> > [...] although some of them are released under the GPL license,
> > which I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole, as it really places
> > restrictions on any code you contribute.
>
> What restrictions?

If you use GPL'd code in a product, the source for that product
must be made available at no cost (other than media and copying
costs).  You can sell binary copies of GPL'd code or derived
products, but the source must always be available free.  This
tends to limit the amount one can charge for a product since a
competitor can always take your source and sell copies at a
lower price.  This is the price you pay for leveraging off of
GPL'd code.  It seems fair to me since FSF's goal is to foster
free software (free as in no limits on source distribution) and
they do provide some neat software.  If you don't want to live
by their rules, don't use their code.


--
*name: Phil Harbison
*path: alvitar at xavax.com
*URL: http://www.xavax.com/alvitar