Tom, the original author of the software can release his or her software in dual or multiple licences. This does not affect previous GPL releases.
So I could make something available under a commercial and a GPL licence. If someone wanted it for free nothing stops them from using the GPL version. Maybe there is something they like in the commercial version licence though so they pay for it. Still does not stop others from using the GPL version though. You are right, if it is GPL it is so forever, but the original author can also release/re-release it with another licence. THE GPL version with all the terms that go with it still exists though. The original author cannot make you pick one licence or the other. Users with the GPL continue to have all the rights of the GPL. Those users can choose to download a copy with the other licence if they want though, as long as they obey the terms of that licence. In the case of releasing the software you were discussing in the public domain now, I can just download it again and say I have the public domain version, not the GPL version. Or in practical terms use the GPL one knowing that the author will not care because he wants it to be public domain and knows I can get the public domain version easily. Essentially there are two versions that are identical, but have different licences and you can choose your version based on the licence and the GPL one will always be GPL but the author can make other versions. _______________________________________________ use-livecode mailing list use-livecode@lists.runrev.com Please visit this url to subscribe, unsubscribe and manage your subscription preferences: http://lists.runrev.com/mailman/listinfo/use-livecode
