🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <3976@kluge.fiu.edu> acmfiu@serss0.fiu.edu (ACMFIU) writes:
>just because you get software with the copyleft doesn't immediately give you
>sourc code. yes, this is mandated by the copyleft, but if the authors never
>wanted to release the code in the first place you wouldn't see the copyleft.

This is not true--the point of the GPL is that if copylefted source code 
is modified and released as a new product, the derivative work also comes 
under the GPL and source code must be passed on.

>there is NO difference between copyleft sofware and PD software+source. except
>of course the copyleft agreement. but this is merely a legality.

There is a big difference. Your PD software is not protected in any way from
expropriation and exploitation by others. I can, legally, take any PD
software, package it up, and sell it to all buyers without giving the
authors a dime or any kind of recognition.

The GPL is one way of getting such protection, which any software producer 
needs!

-- 
Kurt Baudendistel ---                                           --- GRA
Georgia Tech, School of Electrical Engineering, Atlanta, GA  30332-0250
internet: baud@eedsp.gatech.edu              uucp: gatech!gt-eedsp!baud