Re: [HACKERS] PostgreSQL Licence: GNU/GPL - Mailing list pgsql-general

I have to admit you hit on exactly why I worded the original as I did.
It emphasizes the commonality of the two licenses, and specifically
points out the the part of the GPL that we don't like, without slamming
it.

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Jason Earl wrote:
> Bruce Momjian <pgman@candle.pha.pa.us> writes:
>
> > Marc G. Fournier wrote:
> > > On Mon, 21 Jan 2002, Vince Vielhaber wrote:
> > >
> > > > On Mon, 21 Jan 2002, Marc G. Fournier wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > I'd get rid of the 'foreseeable future' part myself ...
> > > >
> > > > The whole thing is too wordy.
> > > >
> > > > Many PostgreSQL developers past and present are uncomfortable
> > > > with restrictions imposed by the GPL.  The PostgreSQL project
> > > > always has and will continue to remain under the BSD license
> > > > alone.
> > >
> > > This one is perfect ... Bruce?  I really leaves no openings, no?
> >
> > It is hard to argue with this wording either.  Let's see how people
> > vote.
>
> While it is certainly true that PostgreSQL developers are
> "uncomfortable" with the GPL this version doesn't say *why* you are
> uncomfortable.  People that follow the BSD-GPL flamewars know what
> your problems with the GPL are, but other folks that are just
> peripherally aware of the debate (like those who are asking about
> GPLing PostgreSQL) could very well misinterpret this.  After all, if
> they want you to GPL PostgreSQL then clearly they think the
> "restrictions" placed by the GPL are not a big deal.  To them this
> statement will probably read like:
>
>         We have always used the BSD license and believe the GPL is for
>         hippies and communists :).
>
> I like the other version:
>
>         We carry a BSD license, the archetypal open-source license.
>         While the GPL has similar goals, it also has anti-"closed
>         source" (proprietary) restrictions.  We like our BSD license
>         and see no need to change it.
>
> Instead of emphasizing the problems with the GPL this version
> emphasizes the benefits of the BSD license (it's the archetypal
> open-source license, and it has no anti-proprietary restrictions).
> This statement also specifically points out which "restrictions" to
> the GPL make you uncomfortable.
>
> I would go on to say that it "extends the hand of fellowship" by
> pointing out that the GPL has similar goals, but I think that would be
> a little over the top.  No need to wax poetic.
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