From: Steven Jenkins <steven.jenkins@...>
Date: 2003-07-10T08:51:19+09:00
Subject: Re: My brief and torrid affair with Ruby.

A satisfactory resolution to this discussion will not come from arguing 
over the dictionary meaning of the word "viral".

The fact is that software licenses are more or less restrictive. The BSD 
license is less restrictive, the GPL is more. Some people use the word 
"viral" to describe the more restrictive features of the GPL. None of 
those people, except perhaps the truly clueless (and they're not worth 
our time), really believe that the GPL behaves like a virus in every 
detail. What they're saying, using a biting metaphor, is that they 
believe the GPL overreaches its negotiating position.

It's true that no one forces you to use GPL software. But it's also true 
that the FSF's attempt to advance a particular political and economic 
worldview through software licensing is subject to criticism. I can use 
GPL software and criticize the position, or I can refuse to use it and 
criticize the position. They're not related.

Note that I'm *not* taking a position on whether the FSF is right, or 
whether the GPL is enforceable. I'm just saying it's OK to criticize 
them, and OK to use the word "viral" *as a metaphor*. It's no worse than 
saying that Ethernet has a "heartbeat", even though its heartbeat is 
really nothing like yours or mine.

Steve