I wrote to the address in the GPLv2 license notice
a year ago
- #GPL
- #Philately
- #Open Source
- The GNU General Public License (GPL) stands out among open source licenses for its reader-friendly tone and alignment with software freedom.
- GPLv2 includes a physical address for requests, reflecting the pre-internet era when it was published in 1991.
- GPLv3, published in 2007, includes a URL, showing the shift to widespread internet usage.
- The author conducted an experiment by mailing a request to the GPLv2 address to see what would happen.
- Preparing the request involved obtaining US stamps via eBay, navigating the world of philately.
- The reply received after five weeks contained the GPLv3 license text, not the requested GPLv2, printed on US letter-sized paper.
- The author reflects on whether the request should have specified GPLv2 and decides not to pursue a follow-up due to the effort involved.