From: John Johnson <jj5412@...>
Date: 2003-07-09T10:22:18+09:00
Subject: Re: My brief and torrid affair with Ruby.

on 7/8/03 8:51 PM, Daniel Carrera at dcarrera@math.umd.edu wrote:

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> On Wed, Jul 09, 2003 at 09:35:47AM +0900, Ray Cote wrote:
> 
>> Hi Daniel:
>> Thanks for your comments.
>> 
>> I believe these two items from the GPL FAQ cover the question:
>> <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#WhyUseGPL>
>> 
>> ---
>> If a library   is released under the GPL (not the LGPL), does that
>> mean that any   program which uses it has to be under the GPL?
>> Yes, because the program as it is actually run includes the library
>> ---
>> You have a   GPL'ed program that I'd like to link with my code to
>> build a   proprietary program.  Does the fact that I link with your
>> program mean   I have to GPL my program?
>> Yes.
>> ---
> 
> Well, it's not that simple.  Ruby modules are not linked into your program the
> way 
> a binary library would be.  On the other hand, they are not exactly external
> programs either.  So it's not quite clear there.
> 
> Judging from the first question, I am now leaning towards saying that yes, it
> is a 
> derivative work, on the basis that (I think) a "require" actually does "stick
> in" 
> the module code into your program, hence making it a derivative.  Perhaps
> someone 
> could correct or confirm this.
> 
> So, yes, it seems that you are right on that.
> 
> 
>> There are a variety of ways of 'hiding' code. One of the projects
>> we're currently designing consists of a sealed box delivered to the
>> user, a sort of 'payment appliance' if you will. The end user not
>> only has no access to the code on the machine, they have no need for
>> access. However, under the GPL, I would be legally bound to
>> distribute source code for the program on that machine.
> 
> Well... you'd be legally bound to provide it upon request.  I apologize if
> this is 
> a dumb question, but if the user has no use for the source anyways, what's the
> problem with the GPL?

The problem is I can buy his app (or just copy it from someone's computer)
and sell it for half his asking price, or just give it away if I have a
bone to pick with him. If it's a killer consumer app, it will be available
 with Kazaa, and the author will starve.

-- 
Regards,
  JJ

Be Kind, Be Careful, Be Yourself