On Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:55:07 +0100, Morten Reistad <first@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
>You misunderstand the GPL. There is nothing in the GPL that stops me
>from taking the code, wrap it and ****p it as MR_Linux, charge $50000 for
>the package
Actually there is. The GPL permits only recovery of duplication cost.
It would be extremely hard to justify $50,000 unless you are engraving
the CD bits by hand.
You probably could get away with it, but if someone complained, the
authors very well might revoke your right to redistribute.
>and sell a $15k yearly sup****t contract. I am obliged, under
>the GPL, to provide source code for it, and the toolchain to build it,
asn
>well as updates. It also have to do so in a timely fa****on.
>
>The language
>in the GPL is usually taken as "within 6 months" by courts, although
there
>is differing practice. It has to be available without any specific fees
>for download, but I can cover the direct expenses. If I make quarterly
>postings to a web site, and state so in the initial contract, I would
>be off that hook according to all lawyers I have heard opinions from.
>
>I can ****p this as a DVD attached to the contract as well.
>
>I can then hold media and catalogue copyright to that Linux distro,
>which means that noone can outright copy it, but they can rebuild it
>from source code. You can add you own, proprietary software; e.g.
>an installer, and as long as it is clearly deliminated and tagged
>is perfectly OK.
>
>Making such a distro is _dead easy_.
>
>I have actually participated in doing exactly this.
>
>A special _tiny_ linux+phone stuff distro with installer and
>some licensed stuff included. The full source was on the CD.
>
>There is nothing stopping a customer from rebuilding and ripping
>out the catalogue parts.
Yes. You can do all of this you just said.
George
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