Message-ID: <47A5D895.20300@davidnewall.com>
Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:37:01 +1030
From: David Newall <davidn@davidnewall.com>
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To: Greg KH <greg@kroah.com>
CC: Christer Weinigel <christer@weinigel.se>, linux-usb@vger.kernel.org,
       linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org
Subject: Re: [PATCH] USB: mark USB drivers as being GPL only
References: <20080125180232.GA4613@kroah.com> <20080202123710.42df1aa0@weinigel.se> <20080202191930.GA19826@kroah.com>
In-Reply-To: <20080202191930.GA19826@kroah.com>
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Greg KH wrote:
> It comes down to the simple fact, if you wish to use Linux, abide by the
> license it comes under.  To do otherwise is both disenginous and
> illegal[1].

I think you're being dishonest.  This isn't really about Linux and it
being licensed under GPL, is it?  Not if you're being 100% honest.  This
is really about Beejay's* kernel module; and you are attempting to force
her to release that under GPL.  You should 'fess up, that the change is
0% technical, 0% unavoidable and 100% political.  This does, of course,
disadvantage Linux with respect to many classes of devices, for example
GSM transceivers when used in those parts of the world^ where regulatory
requirements prohibit modification of power or frequency settings, which
effectively prohibits open-source driver.

An unbending bias towards GPL is impractical in many markets.  It also
hands an additional point or two of market share to Microsoft; who no
doubt will be immensely grateful.

*The fictitious author of an imaginary driver.
^Probably all of the world.
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