Re: Selling Artistic License Software (WAS: Re: non-DFSG section and CD distributers)

[Dale Scheetz <dwarf@polaris.net>]

On 16 Nov 1997, Darren/Torin/Who Ever... wrote:

> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> 
> Dale Scheetz, in an immanent manifestation of deity, wrote:
> >You have to ask yourself, "If all software were licensed under these terms
> >would it be free?". My answer would be no, because there would be no
> >"software that can be sold" to "aggregate" with.
> 
> If you wrote the software, you could decide to sell it but allow others
> to use it under the Artistic License.  You could also distribute the
> software with a copying fee and charge for support.  I make most of my
> money customizing software for companies that want an application to
> work specifically their way.
> 
> Why should *you* charge money for the software that *I* write?  The
> Artistic License is designed to protect the rights of the software Author 
> while still allowing others to use and distribute it.  It contains
> compromises like all such documents do.

I understand your point, and can accept compromise. I did vote in favor of
the DFSG after all ;-)

My only reply to your question is, "Why shouldn't I? If I can't, then
there exists a specific distribution restriction. This distribution
restriction does not exist in other licenses that we consider Free."

> 
> Darren
> 
> >This license specifically says, "you can not sell this software". It
> >provides loopholes, like aggregation, copying fees and support, as avenues
> >for making money, but I view them as slightly dishonest. The "can not
> >sell" clause is a distribution restriction, and for me, makes the package
> >less free.
> 
> Your choice.  I don't regard it as dishonest but again as enabling
> others while reserving rights for the Authors of software.
> 
I can be as harsh as the next person when it comes to moral judgements.
Bruce also pointed out that inferring dishonesty from sloppyness is not
warranted. My appologies for my harsh statement.

Later,

Dwarf
-- 
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