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cc-bizcom - Re: [Cc-bizcom] Raymond on GPL

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Subject: A discussion of hybrid open source and proprietary licensing models.

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  • From: Rob Myers <robmyers AT mac.com>
  • To: cc-bizcom <cc-bizcom AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Cc-bizcom] Raymond on GPL
  • Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2005 23:34:45 +0100

On 1 Jul 2005, at 23:41, Marshall W. Van Alstyne wrote:

There's a very unusual post from Slashdot on Eric Raymond's evolving take
on using GPL. From a keynote in Brazil, he purportedly said: "We don't
need the GPL anymore. It's based on the belief that open source software is
weak and needs to be protected. Open source would be succeeding faster if
the GPL didn't make lots of people nervous about adopting it."

http://www.onlamp.com/pub/a/onlamp/2005/06/30/esr_interview.html

His argument being that proprietary software cannot compete with "Open Source"'s development model, so "Open Source" projects don't need protecting against proprietary competition.

It's an argument so bad that it's "not even wrong". :-)

Let's apply Raymond's 'reasoning' to proprietary software. I'd say that Windows is a very successful proprietary project. Clearly it has a superior development model: no "Open Source" software has as many installed seats or has made as much money as Windows. Since Windows is so successful it clearly doesn't need to be protected, its development model is enough. Microsoft should therefore get rid of their EULAs and licensing schemes and rely on their superior development model to drive adoption of Windows rather than scaring them off with baroque licenses and high prices.

Whether the timing of this has anything to do with Raymond losing the OSI presidency just as RMS announced the start of the GPL development process is anyone's guess. :-)

- Rob.




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