Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 1st Aug 2006 17:52 UTC, submitted by Moulinneuf
MEPIS, the popular Ubuntu-based Linux distributor, has finally released its distribution source code under the GPL. Warren Woodford, CEO, is not one bit pleased with being forced to do so. Woodford has long disagreed with some parts of the GPL. He recently ran into some trouble with its requirement that downstream distributors of GPL code are obligated to provide source code to users in an easily accessible format. Note: Starting today, Mepis stories will be posted in the Ubuntu category.
Thread beginning with comment 148346
To view parent comment, click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To view parent comment, click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
RE[3]: The cost of freedom
by deanlinkous on Wed 2nd Aug 2006 05:49
in reply to "RE[2]: The cost of freedom"
Member since:2006-06-19
The only fact to consider is that warren feels it is alright pointing upstream for source code thereby expecting someone else to foot the bill for source code.
Nothing to postpone or question.
What proprietary software is in mepis anyway, besides his own that is?
I never said there was anything wrong with him charging for his product. But to charge for his product while pointing upstream to a source that doesn't charge is not only a leech but unethical to think that a free distro should provide his source code for his distro. Makes no sense...
Member since:
2006-07-25
Thank you! Warren makes money from his distro and then expects Ubuntu or whoever to foot the bill for supplying source? Why is that considered reasonable to so many? How would he feel if many others did the same to him?
it will be best if this kind of remark is postponed until all the facts are considered. the one who posted this does not seem to know that in Mr. Woodford is giving his changes in the source codes for free. It also shows ignorance on the fact that Warren pays for the proprietary softwares he uses so that every Mepis user can enjoy better benefits.
there is nothing wrong for charging a price if you cannot afford giving your product fully free, as long as you abide on all the rules.
that said, Warren should abide by the rules of GPL, be it practical or not. but to say that he is unreasonable for charging for something without consideration of what he has been through is no better than a quick and unfounded judgement.