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Comment by coldpie | Hacker News Reader

> The GPL attempts to force people and businesses to release their source code.

LOL No. The cost of using GPL code is that you have to release your source code. Just like the cost of using some proprietary software is $X. If you don't want to pay that price, don't use the software.

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I think you mean the cost of distribution. A business can keep its modifications as secret as it likes so long as it doesn't distribute the modified binary.

Exactly as you said, if you want to use GPL you have to do something, while if you want to use BSDL you don't. Surprisingly the definition of freedom:

"the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint."

Now you tell me which of these licenses are closer to the definition.

Is the freedom to restrict someone else's freedom really a freedom?

Here's a little haiku by RMS:

Using GPL

is encroaching on our rights

to encroach on yours

I'm not really interested in dictionary-lawyering definitions. I'm most concerned about what I, the end user, can do with the software I obtain. To me, it's very important that I be able to modify the software I use. GPL guarantees I will be able to do that forever. BSD does not.

If you are not interested in the dictionary definition, than please provide your dictionary so we can have a discussion in your language. Until that happens I will use the definitions from the dictionary.

Thank you in advance.

To be fair, with nearly every license you have to do something. GPL just has you do extra things.

Almost every license requires you to include the Copyright notice and copy of the license along with your code and usually in the running program as well.

Of course, that's a ton easier than being required to release your source code and not DRM the binaries.

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