GPL as the best licence
4 hours ago
- #Community Governance
- #Open Source
- #GPL
- The GPL license is ideal for fostering collaboration between developers, corporations, and users by ensuring fairness and reciprocity.
- Free Software is defined by underlying beliefs like the four freedoms, while Open Source focuses on following project rules without necessarily adopting a philosophy.
- The GPL does not require adopters to espouse the four freedoms, making it more palatable for corporations.
- Equity in contribution models is crucial for maintaining developer-driven communities, with the Inbound = Outbound principle ensuring fairness.
- Foundations can create power imbalances and weaken projects if they control IP rights or create alternate power structures.
- The GPL+DCO model ensures equity and reciprocity, leveling the playing field for all contributors without needing formal structures.
- Commit agencies play a vital role in maintaining project vibrancy by impartially judging technical merit.
- Governance in GPL+DCO systems relies on copyright law for enforcement, keeping the system simple and effective.
- Excessive formal rules can weaken projects by encouraging infighting over interpretations and enforcement.
- The lack of formal control structures in GPL+DCO systems is a strength, keeping commit agencies honest and serving the community.