The Origin of the “MIT License” | Hacker News Reader

The Origin of the “MIT License”

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12 pointsjanvdberg5 comments

When I release open-source software, I usually release it under MIT. I don't think my projects are as essential as a kernel where the GPL would shine, and I also don't want to hinder companies from using my software.

BSD is fairly similar to MIT, but I feel like the clauses cause confusion. Ideally, I think 2 or 3 clause BSD are the right choices (4 is fine too, but I prefer it less).

What other licenses are their to choose from? What would be the advantages of licensing under different terms?

I've also been curious if a CLA is a good idea or not, I've implemented it to one of my projects (using a GitHub bot) and it hasn't been a problem, but I'm still unsure about the implications of licensing this way.

I'm also unsure about if Apache would be a good fit.

Agree, I am usually doing projects for my own education and so that other people can learn. Hence a license that promotes learning.

I don't really think a company is going to make a million dollars off my particle effects JavaScript object, but I learned a few things writing it and I hope others can too.

I’m a big fan of the WTFPL, but I’ve mostly done proprietary work for hire so I swing hard in the opposite direction when I get the opportunity to share code with the world.

I've stayed clear of WTFPL because it's not an approved license (https://opensource.org/licenses/alphabetical), even though it does fit it's requirements.

Using a more established license also usually comes with more corporate knowledge.

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night because my own comment got me thinking that I need to choose a license for a project I’m working on, and WTFPL will be offputting. I know many projects offer dual licenses. But I’m thinking I’ll ask a (lawyer) friend and come up with enough CYA to protect myself, default to WTFPL, and let people choose their own adventure to whatever more restrictive license satisfies their legal department

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