Re: [libreplanet-discuss] Proposal for "FUD responses" wiki pages

[Yui Hirasawa]

>> What do you think would be a good way to counter the argument "GPL
>> restricts developers" ?
>>
>> I don't think it's a restriction that you have to share your
>> modifications. If anything it enables your upstream, the other
>> downstreams from that and the downstreams from you.
>>
>>
>> This is somehting I said on reddit recently:
>>
>> If I tell you that you can give me hug if you also pat me on the back
>> while doing it, am I restricting your freedom to hug me?
>
> The "pat on your back" affects only the person receiving the pat, but
> copyleft affects everyone. Also, a "pat" is not a visually strong image,
> while causing all derivatives to be GPled is very strong.

The whole point was for it to not have a strong image. It makes no
difference for the giver but it makes the hug a lot more enjoyable for
the receiver.

> A more apt metaphor would be to give someone a cake along with its
> recipe and ask them to share the recipe with everyone who, having tasted
> the cake, asks for it, even if they modify the recipe.

Sure, that is a lot better.

> Arguing with developers is really hard. Here is the most common response
> they give:
>
> "Look, I love the *idea* of free software, but I need to feed my family,
> and GPL software doesn't let me do that because companies would stop
> supporting me the moment I adopt it. Developers gotta eat too."

This discussion wasn't about making money. It's about freedom to do
whatever you want with other people's code, even making it proprietary.