Subj : Re: GNU Public Licences Revisited (again)
To   : comp.programming
From : Tatu Portin
Date : Tue Aug 23 2005 05:27 pm

Joe Butler wrote:
> So, what's the reasoning behind these licences that don't allow a commercial
> (closed source) apps from using them?
> 
> In once sense, if the idea behind the GPL, etc. is to benefit others, this
> is a limitation that will reduce the number of people that can actually
> benefit from it.  A closed source app is not going to open its source just
> so it can use some GPL.  If the source was allowed to be used by all,
> without the restrictions on commercial apps, that would benefit a lot more
> people, wouldn't it?

You can sell GPL'd apps. You just must provide the source code also. But 
you aren't required to give the source to somebody that is not your 
customer. Then, it's up to your customer to decide, whetever or not he 
shares his app & source with others.

.