AmForth HQ license change from GPLv2 to GPLv3

10/30/2014

**The shadow may have to disengage from its body. An unfortunate development. Please read below. ** Matthias Trute mtrute-S0/[email protected] writes:

(2) Please explain why you changed the license in trunk@1687 from GPLv2 to GPLv3. Correct me if I am wrong, it seems to me that you did not choose the "any later version" option of the GPLv3 (a constantly updating GPL). Until I grasp the full meaning of GPLv3, including your new expectations, you may be pleased to learn that you have managed to shake off your loyal shadow https://github.com/wexi/amforth-shadow.

Well, what should I answer? I have some very smart code here that I strongly want to include into amforth that is published under the GPLv3. This will bring amforth to a next level and opens the door to even more. I could not do that myself, so I use the great GP license to improve my project by including the work of others. I love standing on the shoulders of giants. The price to pay is the (small) license upgrade.

I don't want to loose you as a competent user and contributor, but if you cannot live with the new license: Sorry, and farewell. :=(

Matthias,

Before criticizing I should start by thanking you for your contribution to the open source world with the AmForth project in general and for helping me when I was making my first steps with Forth in particular.

Now to my reprimand: Changing the software license is a significant decision. I would have expected you to explain/justify the move well to this forum and not just slap it on. Many people have contributed to the success of your project and thus, I consider this to be basic courtesy.

GPLv2 is the Linux kernel license. I assume that most professional developers understand well when it applies and when it does not. GPLv3 is an entirely different beast: It is purposely designed to force independent software pieces that are to operate with GPLv3 software to fall under the GPLv3 as well, i.e., become open source too. It is NOT a small license upgrade as you describe, it is a fundamental change.

Simply put: AmForth from trunk@1687 onward will never be used in any commercial product, nor would it ever be the choice of any law abiding professional developer (aka consultant). If this is what you want to accomplish -- good luck, if not -- reconsider your move.

AmForth-Shadow https://github.com/wexi/amforth-shadow awaits your decision.

Sincerely, Enoch, A professional developer.

P/S I am curious: What is that "very smart code" that you find so irresistible.