Re: Economics and the GPL

Deven T. Corzine wrote:

>On Mon, 10 Jun 2002, Anthony Taylor wrote:
>  
>
>>If this is true, the GPL will die before it destroys the industry.  If 
>>it is not true, then your reasoning is incorrect.  Either way, you win. 
>> We currently do not have enough information to definitively judge one 
>>way or the other.  (Well, *I* have enough information for myself.  But 
>>YMMV, as with everything in life.)
>>    
>>
>
>You don't know that.  The GPL codebase could continue to be an irresistible 
>lure to one naive company after another, a siren call difficult to ignore.
>It could then destroy those companies that succumb to the lure, but not 
>before strengthening the lure even more for the next unwary company.  We've 
>been warned by sailing legends, perhaps? :-)
>
>Deven
>
>  
>

Okay, I threw out the rest of my reply because we've entered into 
speculation territory, and we have no real basis for discussion, other 
than opinion.  However, this I have to comment on, for two reasons:

First, if companies keep dieing, I think we'll eventually learn our 
lesson.  Let the market decide, let the buyer beware, let the chips fall 
where they may, and let the cliches fly about with great abandon.  But 
that's my eternal pessimistic optimism shining through.

Second.... HA!  Sirens and sailing legends.  Stopper yer ears and lash 
me to the mast, but I'm a sucker for that enticing wailing song.  Very 
funny analogy, one I think I'll have to use myself, if you don't mind 
releasing that sucker under the X11.  :)

                        - Tony