On Wed, Nov 01, 2000 at 07:47:40AM -0800, Eric G . Miller wrote: > You can't GPL it and charge for the *GPL* version.
The preceding statement is incorrect. GPLed code can be sold for any price you may choose to set. The GPL _does_ say that a) you must provide the source code (or at least make it available) and b) the recipient can modify and/or distribute it as they see fit - including sale at any price they choose - provided they also supply their modified source to anyone they distribute executables to. RMS (author of the GPL)has even explicitly stated that he has no problem with people selling software (and the GPL makes no attempt to prevent it), provided the buyer's freedom to modify and distribute it remains intact. GPLed code is typically given away free for the simple reason that if I charge you for a piece of code and you then turn around and give it away for free (or charge less for it), then people aren't likely to come to me for that code - unless I offer something you don't (typically support services) to go with it. This can be seen in action with some people buying Red Hat/ Mandrake/Corel/etc. CDs to get the support (and/or convenience) that comes with them, while other people download identical software for free off the 'net or borrow their friends' CDs. > However, as you're > the sole author, you could LICENSE the code for a fee and release old > versions under GPL for free (which others could do whatever they want > with except sell or re-license). Always put your Copyright on every code > file. This is also a popular model for people who want to make money off the sale of (nominally) GPLed software. The concept is that you pay a premium to get access to the most up-to-date version. In practice, however, people tend to submit patches/fixes/enhancements to GPLed code which cannot (in general) be included in the non-GPL version. If you have any users doing so, it won't be long before the GPLed version is superior to the proprietary version and, once again, your attempt to make money by locking up the code will fail. -- "Two words: Windows survives." - Craig Mundie, Microsoft senior strategist "So does syphillis. Good thing we have penicillin." - Matthew Alton Geek Code 3.1: GCS d- s+: a- C++ UL++$ P+>+++ L+++>++++ E- W--(++) N+ o+ !K w---$ O M- V? PS+ PE Y+ PGP t 5++ X+ R++ tv b+ DI++++ D G e* h+ r++ y+
