On Tue, Jan 21, 2003 at 09:38:57AM +0530, V. Sasi Kumar wrote:
Just as a programmer has the freedom to make use of code written by someone, (s)he has the responsibility to give back to the community code that (s)he has written. I think that is the spirit. Do correct me if I am wrong.
A second point is that the strength of Free Software originates from the fact that thousands of programmers see the code and identify bugs in it. Without this facility, there would hardly be any difference between proprietary software and Free Software.
In view of both these aspects, it is essential that GPLd software is made freely available to anyone who wishes to download it.
You are wrong Mr. Sasi Kumar. Even RMS wont agree to your argument. It may be true for a general purpose software like an editor. But programs for specific industry need not be or rather should not be freely (as in free beer) available on net. Pls refer the discussions on LIG some time back where for a similar case (RMS himself have replied to it).
I appreciate OSS for showing others "We can make a living using Free software business".
as far as GPL is concerned, you will be violating the spirit behind it. It could also be sending the wrong message to society.
No. Not at all. Pls support OSS and similar industries so that the idea of Free software business grows. Let's not kill or blame such a movement. They are helping the FSF movement. They also should make a living ... there is nothing wrong in it.
Don't blame somebody for something which we never does ourself.
Regards