[CS-FSLUG] GPL 3 Shafts Web Companies???

[Robert W.]

On 09/30/2005 05:40:58 PM, Don Parris wrote:
> According to The Inquirer, which references ZDNet, web companies that
> offer services will get shafted by GPL 3.  GPL 2 says that, so long  
> as you don't distribute your code, you don't have to release the  
> source (special case of proprietary software).  GPL 3 could remove  
> that loophole for web services companies.
> 
> http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=26608
> 
> http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-5884172.html
> 
> Hmmm... What do you think?

Be careful about the tag lines, they are deceptive. I thought the ZD  
Net article had a better explanation. What the FSF is contemplating for  
GPL 3 is a clause that prevents you from removing something the  
original author provided. Not all web services would be covered by the  
new clause. Only those where:
1) The original author provided a way for users to download the source.
2) You modify that web service.

The clause does NOT force an original author to provide such a dowload  
feature. It says that if they do, of their own free will, someone can  
not remove that feature from modified copies.

-- 
Robert W.
robertwo at insightbb.com

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. -- Matthew 7:7