Re: Linus about GPL x BSD(long)

On Fri, 19 Jul 2002, Lionel Ulmer wrote:

> So how is this different from TransGaming which has a public CVS tree where
> everyone can see their code. If I look at it, won't I be also as tainted as
> any guy that looks at GPLed code if I redo something similar that what is in
> their code (that's the reason, by the way, why I never checked-out any WineX
> tree) ?

It's not different.  If you look at Transgaming's source, you might indeed 
be "tainted" by it.  Maybe you'd be okay only to look at parts you have no 
intent of working on, but obviously the safest course of action (as you've 
obviously concluded) is never to look at all, if you're concerned this 
issue could ever arise...

> This is why I do not see why Brett persists at saying that the GPL is so
> evil. For me both are 'evils' (in the sense that they restrict somewhat the
> freedom of the source and the users) and I choose the one that for me is the
> lesser one : the LGPL.

Why does life so often involves choosing the lesser of evils?  *sigh*

I don't know what the best license to use is.  I don't consider the GPL 
evil, even if I think it may have long-term dangers.  But I can't speak for 
Brett or his opinion of the GPL. :-)

Deven