Comments on GPL v3 Draft 4

Well it's good to see that the third version of the GNU General Public Licence (GPL) has been progressing at a reasonable rate. The latest discussion draft was announced on 31 May, and all indications are that this will be the final draft.

In order to read the draft link over to http://gplv3.fsf.org/ and be sure to read the rationale and comments made.

Richard Stallman has also published his own comments on why to upgrade to the new version. Definitely worth a read as well.

I think Richard's comments cover most of the views I personally have on the process and reasoning and, if you are interested, you can read my take on the process in my post titled Principles of Free Software.

Effects on the Novell Microsoft Deal

Related to the draft, there was a comment I read about the effect it will have on the Novell/Microsoft agreement which illustrates the lack of understanding by some people as to the effects of the new licence.

To quote Stephan Beal...

Microsoft doesn't have to do anything as long as Novell does not ship software which uses the GPL3. The Linux kernel will likely not use the GPL3, if only because changing the license on software requires agreement from all copyright holders, which is not feasible in the case of code with several thousand copyright holders. (For example, the header file include/asm-powerpc-ps3.h in the Linux 2.6.20 kernel tree is copyrighted by Sony.)

My response follows...

The problem for Novell does not merely revolve around the Linux Kernel going GPLv3, which will be unlikely to happen immediately. The problem lies in all the GNU utilities and other software which are specifically licenced as "GPLv2 or Later". The recipient of the software has the choice as to which licence (v2 or v3) to accept.

In order for Novell (and Microsoft) to avoid the consequences of GPLv3, it will be necessary for them to strip out and replace all the "GPLv2 or Later" licenced material, not an easy task but not impossible either.

I shudder to think what the resulting system would be like without all the GNU utilities, Kernel Modules and other software which are licenced as "or Later" removed.

Lemons without the Lemonade

Sometimes life just throws lemons at you which simply cannot be turned into lemonade.

Glynn Mark Ayres, a dear and close friend, suddenly died on Tuesday (29 May, 2007) at the age of 50. This is a man that I have known for over 30 years, he knew me longer having been introduced to me whilst I was still in nappies, an age beyond my ability to recall.

Glynn was a highly intelligent person with a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he delighted in sharing in a boisterous way with others. In the early days, he was an avid miniatures wargamer, progressing on to computer based games as home computers became commonly available. I remember him often fetching me from my parents house to spend the night at his place playing long games of Galaxy on an Apple II computer, cutting edge technology then. In later years Glynn became an avid Trivia player, taking part in numerous competitions, easily winning most of his games and earning the respect of many other contestants.

Whilst the loss of Glynn is still sinking in, I have carried out the task of contacting as many of his old friends around the world in order to pass on the sad news of his passing. Whilst I do not have adequate words of my own to convey the loss, Charles Clayton, commonly called Chuck or "Emperor Caius" (his wargaming handle) puts it best...

(Glynn's wargaming handle was Lord Haag).

Ave Lord HAAG

Morituri te salutant.

I stand in a faraway land
and pour a tot of rum on the ground
in your honour
in your memory
and then I raise my glass
to the years of comradeship
that we had together

Kindred souls
competitive spirits
brothers in arms
I thank you
for the memories we made together
and the laughter that ensued

Let the Valkyries play
“Stairway to Heaven”
as they lead you to Valhalla
where you can practice trivia
to your hearts content
and be ready to beat me again
when I join you

Ave Lord HAAG
The Emperor salutes you
a worthy opponent
a fierce competitor
and a magnificent friend

Ave

Go well and in peace my friend I will miss you.