Google is Violating LGPL Source Code

[mp]

Max Horn wrote:
> 
> Am 07.04.2009 um 13:01 schrieb mp:
> 
>>
>> Hi, - just a request for clarification, pardon me if I am off the wall
>> here:
>>
>> In general, unless I misunderstand the exchange here, it seems to me
>> that Google (and possibly LMCO?) are looking for, discussing ways in
>> which to _avoid_ releasing source code. In other words, _not_working
>> with the spirit of the F/LOSS movements, but taking whatever they can,
>> whenever they can, and then using it in non-free, closed source projects.
>>
>> If this is indeed the case, notwithstanding the letter of the "law",
>> then it is not exactly a sign of cooperation, but merely "legal
>> theft", or?
>>
>> If this is not the case, please apologise my ignorance.
> 
> I think this is clearly not the case! In my understanding, Google is
> using LGPL software in full compliance with the LGPL here. At least in
> the way I and many other OSS developers interpret the LGPL section 6(b),
> both in letter in spirit. Although Allan Hardy seems to disagree with it
> 
> Anyway, I would be deeply surprised if the developers of JFreeChart and
> WebKit (the software in question here) would not agree with me here
> (only way to find out would be asking them).
> 
> So, let's not start spreading FUD.

This is not in any possible way FUD - at all - and you miss the point
entirely when you write "full compliance with the LGPL here" as a
response to the question concerning the spirit of the movement(s). That
someone is in legal compliance means just that: legal compliance.

The way that I understood it was that the case at hand was about not
releasing code, yet still being in compliance. You did not answer that
question, but merely stated they are in compliance - not whether "being
in compliance" means that they do not have to release their code, since
it is only dynamically linked or whatever the details are.

So, looking for ways in which to be in compliance _without_ releasing
your code is not to contribute to the movement in its own spirit, but
rather like profiting on its achievements, while working contrary to its
spirit (which is, as you might have noticed, about open source, at
least, Free Software at best).

-m

> 
> Bye,
> Max
> 
> 

-- 
--The destructive character lives from the feeling, not that life is
worth living, but that suicide is not worth the trouble-- - Walter
Benjamin, The Destructive Character, November 1931.