Steven D'Aprano wrote: <cut> > I'm FREE to use the software, FREE to redistribute it, FREE to give it > away, FREE to make derivative works, FREE to transfer the licence, *and* > I got it FREE of cost as well, but that doesn't make it free. >
Indeed, when I explain GPL to non-techies and what their (RMS) interpretation of free software is I usually ask first if they know what IP (Intellectual Property not Internet Protocol) is and what the difference is between that and other legals stuff like Copyright and Trademarks. Then I make sure we have the same definition about Software and what I mean with the word Public in the context of software. After that I define GPL as: Obligatory Public Intellectual Property Software If the non-techie is still interested, I'll rave on about that I understand why GPL is a good way to ensure availability of IP especially if the software is a collaborated effort in the academic scene. And that I probably use that if I made software for my employer (a Foundation founded by multiple High-Schools) but that deeply personal I'll stick to the beerware license, because I fully agree on PHK license vision. -- mph -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
