Python is better than free (was Re: GNU wars again)

[Paul Miller]

>On Tue, Oct 02, 2001 at 08:59:34AM -0500, Paul Miller wrote:
> > If GNU code is FREE, then I'll have to say that Python (and code under
> > BSD-style licenses) is BETTER THAN FREE. Frankly, I'm very grateful to
> > Guido for allowing Python to be used freely in commercial software.
>
>    I see your point. You use other's people work without paying them. GNU
>GPL, at least, force you to pay (by publishing your code). You don't want
>to pay, and Python license makes you happy :(
>
>Oleg.

Trying to make me into a cheap-skate and a thief doesn't endear me too much 
to you Oleg. You might want to tone down your GNU zealotry a tad.

The issue is not whether I use people's work without paying them - if they 
didn't want me to, they would CHARGE for it. Part of Python's license is 
there IS NO CHARGE. NONE. That happens to work nicely for me, as I make 
commercial software. If I could pay the bills by giving away my code, I 
probably would, but this isn't the case. Fortunately, Python does not 
require me to make that choice.

And, unlike the GNU license, the "free" in the Python/BSD license is not 
misleading. As others have rightfully pointed out, there is nothing free 
about the GNU license.

Incidentally, I also maintain an open-source XML project, but under the 
LGPL. I like giving people a little bit more freedom than the standard GNU 
license does.


-- 
Paul T. Miller | paul at fxtech.com | http://www.fxtech.com