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0 pointstpxl3y ago0 comments

It is now more relevant than ever. AGPL backends fix the proprietary API problem.

0 comments

It confuses me sometimes that we split the entire community between GPL versions 2 and 3 to thwart the terrible TiVo, but making AGPL just GPL 4 never seems to be discussed. Especially since GPL 3 is self upgrading, so there’s no risk of a new split.

trasz3y ago

AGPL fixes nothing; the companies will simply base their backends on software that’s not AGPL-encumbered.

CRConrad3y ago

Sure seems to fix the "taking software based on ostensibly FOSS licenses non-free by going cloud" problem, doesn't it?

Sure, if companies take software which they wrote themselves from scratch, without basing it on FOSS, down that route, that's their prerogative. But then the potential users have the equal prerogative of saying "No thanks, I prefer FOSS."

trasz3y ago

It doesn't - companies can still use FOSS software, just not AGPL. That's pretty much exactly how it works right now.

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rprospero3y ago

trasz3y ago

AGPL fixes nothing; the companies will simply base their backends on software that’s not AGPL-encumbered.

CRConrad3y ago

Sure seems to fix the "taking software based on ostensibly FOSS licenses non-free by going cloud" problem, doesn't it?

trasz3y ago

It doesn't - companies can still use FOSS software, just not AGPL. That's pretty much exactly how it works right now.

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse