FLOSS Weekly 754: Is He Still On? - Jon "maddog" Hall, Caninos Loucos, Open Source vs Free Software
Oct 18, 2023
auto_awesome
Jon 'maddog' Hall, the Linux Legend, discusses the differences between GPL licenses v2 and v3. They also cover involvement in Latin American projects, enforcing copyleft, and the role of Linux in the free software movement.
The importance of reciprocal licenses and their benefits for users and developers.
The challenges of transitioning the Linux kernel from GPLv2 to GPLv3 due to the decentralized nature of copyright.
The role of the GPL in building a successful community around Linux and ensuring contributions and improvements are shared back to the community.
Deep dives
Special guest Mad Dog Hall joins the show from Brazil
In this episode, the host introduces a special guest, Mad Dog Hall, who joins the show via a difficult phone connection from Brazil. They discuss Mad Dog's involvement with Linux and the GPL, as well as his work in Latin America promoting free software. Mad Dog talks about his projects, including designing and manufacturing a mini computer similar to Raspberry Pi, and a sensor computer for gathering data. The host then asks Mad Dog about his thoughts on Microsoft's position in the open source space, and he shares his perspective on their relationship with open source and free software. Mad Dog emphasizes the importance of reciprocal licenses and the benefits they bring to users and developers. The conversation also touches on the challenges of enforcing copy-left licenses, as well as the potential for more cases to come up in the future.
The GPL and the decision not to move to GPL V3 for the Linux kernel
During the podcast, there is a discussion about the GPL and the decision not to move the Linux kernel from GPLv2 to GPLv3. The host mentions conversations he overheard at a Linux conference where kernel developers were positive about GPLv3 and its provisions, such as patent provisions and the ability to tailor certain clauses. However, due to the decentralized nature of copyright within the Linux kernel, it would require agreement from individual developers, making it difficult to transition the license. They briefly touch upon the idea of licenses being tailored for specific purposes, such as the machine-readable personal privacy terms standard being developed by IEEE. Finally, the host shares his personal favorite scripting languages, bash and Python, and mentions using Visual Studio Code, an open-source product from Microsoft, for development purposes.
The significance of the GPL in successful projects like Linux
The podcast explores the significance of the GPL in successful projects like Linux. The host shares an example of how Linux Journal was started based on Linux and the GPL in the early days. They discuss how the GPL contributed to building a successful community around Linux by providing a framework that included principles of free software and copyleft. They also mention how the GPL played a role in ensuring that modifications and improvements to the Linux kernel were contributed back to the community. The host reflects on the importance of understanding why certain licenses succeed and explores potential links with the success of Linux itself.
Challenges with GPL enforcement and cases related to copy-left licenses
During the podcast, the challenges with enforcing GPL and copy-left licenses are mentioned. The host brings up specific cases like companies not complying with the GPL for their embedded Linux systems in products like smart TVs and airline entertainment systems. They discuss how these companies are legally allowed to sell products based on GPL-licensed software, but the license requires them to also provide the corresponding source code and contribute modifications back to the community. The podcast briefly touches on the relevance of licenses in ensuring privacy and data protection in software, mentioning an ongoing effort to create machine-readable personal privacy terms standards.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
Throughout the podcast, the host shares personal anecdotes and experiences related to licenses and the open-source community. They mention their passion for licenses and how it informs their work. There are mentions of attending conferences, meeting open-source figures like Linus Torvalds, and discussing the future of open source and free software. The host also briefly mentions their own music and blogs, which are available under Creative Commons licenses.
Our guest this week was Jon "maddog" Hall, the Linux Legend, until his connection from Brazil dropped. At any rate, Dan Lynch and Doc Searls went deep into the differences between GPL licenses v2 and v3 on this episode of FLOSS Weekly.