GPL3 first public draft due early 2006

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Ok, let's talk GPL profit models

Sure, no problem.

Here's some of the GPL models as I see them:

-Selling distributions: While this works well for RedHat and other vendors who are selling entire OSes, it doesn't work well with much else. It also requires a lot of resources to ensure everything works together properly.

-Dual licensing: This is great, but *whoops* it requires selling a proprietary version of the software. You're not really making a profit because the software is open, but you do see the benefits of having it open. Unfortunately, the GPL itself is not very friendly to the dual licensing scheme. Usually another licence has to be used. This is probably the best & most successful licensing.

-Selling other stuff (advertising, t-shirts, etc) with the software: Again, this has little to do with whether the software is GPLed, and usually profit is not very large. Also, coming up with ad designs, t-shirt designs, etc is a quite a bit of work by itself, and most developers want to mess with code, not art . Most coders are horrible artists anyways.

-Makring a profit off legislation: Umm, yeah, some people actually do this. Unfortunately, it's very unpredictable (always chance of losing and getting caught in countersuits) and the law was designed for crime and punishment, not as a source of income.

-Integrating open source & proprietary libraries into a sellable piece of software: Another possible good way to make a profit, but mostly incompatible with the GPL. Possible with some other open source licenses.

Seriously, when I create a piece of software and look for libraries and stuff to use to make my job easier, I want to consider both camps to see what's best. I don't want to limit myself just because of a troublesome license. What is wrong with this desire to not limit myself? How is this in any way being close minded?

Posted by: CobraA1   Posted on: 08/10/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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