"The Free Software Foundation wishes to clarify a few factual points about the Second Discussion Draft of GNU GPL version 3, on which recent discussion has presented inaccurate information. The FSF has no power to force anyone to switch from GPLv2 to GPLv3 on their own code. We intentionally wrote GPLv2 (and GPLv1) so we would not have this power. Software developers will continue to have the right to use GPLv2 for their code after GPLv3 is published, and we will respect their decisions."
To view parent comment, click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2005-07-07
>It is just highly recommended
The challenge will become the zealots who will 'highly recommend' to the point of becoming irritating slanderers.
Look at the variations on the theme of 'you are unethical!' being thrown currently at those who've not partaken of the FSF kool-aid.[1]
What I find saddening is the intolerance. If some want to use GPLv3: great. I others find themselves queasy at the blurring of the copyright/patent line, and wish to remain at GPLv2, can their opinion be respected?
The idealogues would seem to say no.
[1]I am actually an FSF member
Member since:2005-10-02
GPL v2 has the same blend in regard to copyrights and patents.
It's obvious if you distribute an application which uses technology you have patented, then your distribution of the software equals a license grant to use said patent.
The only difference between GPL v2 and v3 is the policy on DRM (v2 having no policy on DRM).
Personally I don't see any reason to switch to v3. Why not just do as usual? --> V.2 or at your option any later version.
It's so much easier. Besides that, I hate to have to learn a new license... they are so long.
Member since:
2005-10-02
Actually it is freedom. Do as you like, and suffer the consequences. Nobody prevents you from parking the car outside spot #3. It is just highly recommended that you don't park outside it. But feel free to do so...
If you blend GPLV3-only code with GPLv2-or_any_later_version code, then the binary becomes GPLv3 (GPL'ed sources are however still GPLv2). However, you don't have to accept GPLv3-only contributions, and you can remove them, if you don't like GPLv3.
You are perfectly free...