On Mon, 2011-01-03 at 12:42 +0530, Raj Mathur (राज माथुर) wrote:
like what happened to mysql
Again, you are confused between licensing and copyright assignment. The MySQL problem happened because MySQL AB (and then Sun and then Oracle) insisted that all patch submitters hand over copyright to MySQL/Sun/Oracle. In other words, they refused to accept patches and features from developers unless the those developers made them (MySQL/Sun/Oracle) owners of the code. This is NOT the normal mode of working of a FOSS project; for instance, the Linux kernel is also licensed under the GPL but copyright/ownership of each portion of code remains with the original author.
precisely - what sustains an open source project is nothing to do with the license. It is all about the methodology of development. Develop in the open - accept contributions and build a base of developers. The larger the base, the more secure the app is from hostile take over. Developing in a closet will result in the app being in danger of take over. Sqllite is developed with no license - it is in the public domain. Apache, postgresql and many many others are developed in BSD style licenses - but since they are developed in the open with a large base of contributors, they are also immune to take over - too many copyright owners.
An interesting thing is the so-called dual-licensed projects. Having a 'community' edition with limited functionality to serve a bait to buy the 'full version' which is proprietary. This is usually a massive con job. And strangely enough 99% of dual licensed projects use the GPL. I wonder why.
MySQL's problem has nothing to do with the licence of the code. Ownership is ownership, regardless of the licence of the object owned.
Once again, I'll reiterate my offer of simple readings on the 'net that would help anyone to understand the critical differences between licensing, copyright, trademarks, patents and ownership of code/content. On the other hand, I cannot do anything for those who wish to remain ignorant so that they can continue to misinterpret things to strengthen their fallacious arguments.
yes it is tragic how people refuse to read simple texts which would help them to understand - I feel your pain.