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

[Don Parris]

Robert W. wrote:
> 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.
> 
Hey, thanks for clarifying that point!

Don