[libreplanet-discuss] RollApp: proof that we need to deprecate GPL for AGPL for everything

[Aaron Wolf]

https://www.rollapp.com/ — complete SaaSS to the extreme (see
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html ).

They aren't illegal, and they do mention "Open Source" at least (which
isn't absolutely legally required), but they avoid even linking to the
websites of the software they host.

We need better ways for people to run their own servers to get
functionality across devices this way.

And even though AGPL wouldn't stop this SaaSS, it would require that
people who see it be made aware that they can actually run the software
themselves.

The only legitimate reason for GPL (without the A) today is to preserve
compatibility with existing GPL projects. All new projects, and all
projects that can feasibly switch without forking problems need to move
to AGPL. It has *nothing* to do with whether or not the software is
*designed* to be run on a server, *all* software should be AGPL.

All the best,
Aaron Wolf
Task Coach (a GPLv3+ program I am involved with but not main dev of
where a user just requested be added to RollApp, which is how I heard of
this)
Snowdrift.coop (an AGPL3+ effort to make a better economy to support the
real freedom we need)