RE: GPL vs. sweatshops (was Re: Bias)

On Wed, 12 Jun 2002, Roland wrote:

> >If you use that definition all private property are undemocratic.
> >So the point is still please don't us the word. I (and I guess most
> 
> Ok, so now you want to tell me what words to use? :)

I believe he was suggesting that the word carries misleading connotations 
that could confuse the issue, so he was asking you to use a different term 
to avoid such confusion.  (At least, that was my impression from him.)

> >other people) doesn't define democratic in that broad sense. So using
> >the word, confuses more than help. Again please us other words.
> 
> Ok, since you already reminded me, that you are not a native english 
> speaker I will remind you that the same is the case for me(and I never 
> lived in an english speaking country btw). I used that word because it was 
> the first to come to my mind, and I think it describes quite well what I 
> wanted to say.

Well, I _am_ a native English speaker, and I can see his point.  It might 
be a legitimate use of the word, but it may carry unintended connotations 
as well.  Maybe you could find a better word to express the same sentiment?

Off the top of my head, it seems like "egalitarian" might be the word you 
were looking for, if I understood the context correctly.  Does that sound 
right, or were you looking for a different concept?

For what it's worth, I don't agree with the statement that everyone 
benefits from GPL code, since it clearly doesn't benefit those who reject 
its terms.  So, I consider it less egalitarian than the BSD license, for 
example.  It's true that the GPL is more resistant to exploitation, but 
there's an associated cost as well.

Deven