Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 22nd Nov 2006 18:16 UTC, submitted by anonymous
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Decisions benefiting the individual at the cost of the community aren't anathema to Perens, they're anathema to free software.
Novell hasn't harmed anyone. That nagging feeling that you feel in the pit of your stomach is the sense of reality setting in. You and many others have grown too complacent with the notion that free software won't be challenged for theft of IP. I predict that we will see a lot more litigation (not less) in the years ahead, as competition stirs the pot.




Member since:
2005-06-29
Decisions benefiting the individual at the cost of the community aren't anathema to Perens, they're anathema to free software. I'm not sure how to explain it, but I think a read through the GPL might help. Notice how rarely it talks about the importance of developer's rights and how often it talks about the importance of user's rights.
Making agreements which may harm those whose work your business is founded on is not the only method of profit seeking. It seems that everytime a business makes any decision which is legal rather than productive and is criticized people run to the defense of the business shouting "making a buck." Capitalism is about capital, not law. You're supposed to produce wealth, not legally destroy it and then take what loot is left.
Profit isn't theft via lawyer, it's making money. Please stop confusing the two, one may imply the other but it is not a two way implication.
Also, paragraphs are your friend.