[kwlug-disc] Wordpress themes must be GPL

[Chris Frey]

On Sun, Jul 25, 2010 at 12:28:46AM -0400, unsolicited wrote:
> But, to Paul's point: How do developers put food on the table?
> 
> Without having to execute a continuous stream of work?
> 
> They create something 'wonderful', but, in essence, must (practically 
> speaking) make it free. How do they gain a 'royalty' (not an annual 
> license fee, but a bite of pie) every time their work is 'acquired' 
> (downloaded?)
> 
> I get your business model, your code (and other activities) enhances 
> your reputation and makes you the go to guy for a continuous stream of 
> work.
> 
> But how do FOSS developers put food on the table for effort expended 
> without having to continuously execute new streams of work?


Am I misunderstanding this post, or can someone enlighten me as to why
things should be any different for computer programmers compared to every
other kind of work?

Computers make copying easy.  Trying to build your business model
against this fact requires a lot of legal effort, which: 1) ends up in
copyright laws like the DMCA and Bill C-32, 2) ends up attempting to
make people feel guilty over copying a movie or a song, and 3) ends up
perpetuating the myth that computer programmers deserve to be rich
for one brilliant idea.

If it was normal for developers to put food on the table by executing
continuous streams of work, I think we'd have a lot less conflict,
and the business model for developers would be a lot more solid.


> e.g. Suppose you get sick (and have no income replacement insurance) - 
> your revenue plummets and you have to live on what you have managed to 
> save. Or, what about those who don't make enough or have insurance?

Doesn't this same problem exist for the poor gas attendant, waitress, store
clerk, fast food employee, etc?  Why should FLOSS developers, or any
developer, get a free pass?

- Chris