Python is better than free (was Re: GNU wars again)
Paul Miller
paul at fxtech.com
Tue Oct 2 12:58:52 EDT 2001
>On Tue, Oct 02, 2001 at 08:59:34AM -0500, Paul Miller wrote:
> > If GNU code is FREE, then I'll have to say that Python (and code under
> > BSD-style licenses) is BETTER THAN FREE. Frankly, I'm very grateful to
> > Guido for allowing Python to be used freely in commercial software.
>
> I see your point. You use other's people work without paying them. GNU
>GPL, at least, force you to pay (by publishing your code). You don't want
>to pay, and Python license makes you happy :(
>
>Oleg.
Trying to make me into a cheap-skate and a thief doesn't endear me too much
to you Oleg. You might want to tone down your GNU zealotry a tad.
The issue is not whether I use people's work without paying them - if they
didn't want me to, they would CHARGE for it. Part of Python's license is
there IS NO CHARGE. NONE. That happens to work nicely for me, as I make
commercial software. If I could pay the bills by giving away my code, I
probably would, but this isn't the case. Fortunately, Python does not
require me to make that choice.
And, unlike the GNU license, the "free" in the Python/BSD license is not
misleading. As others have rightfully pointed out, there is nothing free
about the GNU license.
Incidentally, I also maintain an open-source XML project, but under the
LGPL. I like giving people a little bit more freedom than the standard GNU
license does.
--
Paul T. Miller | paul at fxtech.com | http://www.fxtech.com
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