This is a continuation of the Blog Heraldโs Guide to the GPL License series. You can read the first part here.
It is easy to see why GPLed software would be of great interest to developers. GPL software, though not always free in terms of the money charged, always has to come with its source code and the ability to edit and customize the work.
This means that, if a developer obtains a GPLed application and needs to fix a bug or add a feature, they can do so. They are then free to distribute the fix under the same terms and, in doing so, are ensured that all future modifications are treated the same way.
To a developer, GPL code is definitely a very appealing option, but why would an end user, who rarely, if ever, edits source code on their applications, care that their applciation is GPL-licensed? More specifically, why would a blogger want to be sure they were using open source code for their platform?
The reasons are many, but here are some of the more common and more important ones.
4. Stability of Platform
On a closed-source application, if the company goes out of business, the product is, for the most part, effectively dead. Updates will not be forthcoming, including security patches, and the software will quickly become insecure, dated and largely useless.
However, with an open source application, anyone else who is interested can pick up the mantle. Though open source projects do wither and die all the time, it is due more to lack of interest on the part of developers and users, not a company going out of business. As long as there is developer and user interest in an open source project, development will almost certainly continue.
3. Right to Make/Distribute Copies
With commercial software, the number of copies you can make of an application is often limited by the company that is selling or distributing the application. If you want to move a copy of your installation to another server, make a backup copy or install your blogging application locally to test out your site, you may not be able to do so.
On the other hand, with GPL software you are guaranteed the rights to make copies of your software and can even distribute those copies to others at no charge. In short, you can make as many copies as you want and need, without worrying about violating copyright law.
2. Use For Any Purpose
Some commercial blogging software, including some versions of MovableType, will put restrictions on what kinds of sites you can run with the application, especially in terms of commercial and non-commercial sites. Since GPL software comes with the right to use the software for any purpose, this is a non-issue with open source applications.
Since the needs of a site can change, especially in terms of monetization and business strategy, it is important to remember that this can impact your software licensing and, more specifically, shows another way GPL can help you keep your site legal.
1. Editing the Source Code
Though very few people actually edit the source code on their applications, even when the product is open sourced, blogging software is very different in that it is usually written in either PHP, Perl or another language that is easily understood and accessed by end users.
As such there have been many situations where a bug or security problem has been discovered in a blogging app and, while waiting for an official fix, users have edited their core files to correct the problem. For the most part, editing a line or two of PHP code is very trivial and can be done, with proper instruction, by almost anyone.
Though it is unlikely that even the most staunch supporter of proprietary software would go after you legally for editing their code to fix a security issue, making changes to your core files can invalidate your terms and cause problems with your product down the road, problems you likely won’t have with open sourced software.
The Other Side
To be fair, there are many advantages to proprietary applications, including blogging platforms. Proprietary systems do tend to have better support structures in place, especially for paid applications, and there tends to be a more rigid control system for new releases.
Also, open source software is prone to the problem of “forking”. This is where a developer, or even a user, becomes unhappy with the direction of an open source project, takes the code and starts up a parallel one to their own specifications. This is perfectly ethical and legal under the GPL, but can create confusion in the marketplace, divide up developer resources and making things all around more difficult for end users.
- 5 zodiac signs who seem sweet but have a savage side when provoked - My Inner Creative
- My children resented me because I was never the parent they needed. Healing our relationship became my rewarding experience yet - Hack Spirit
- I was convinced my low-income upbringing defined me, but learning how to handle money mindfully turned my past disadvantage into a future strength. - NewsReports
In short, open source software has many advantages over its closed source counterparts, but it is not perfect.
Bottom Line
In the end, you should always choose your blogging platform, or any application for that matter, based upon what tool does the job the best for your needs. If an open source application works best, then use it. However, proprietary ones are still sometimes better.
That being said, the license is still something that you have to weigh as you choose the tool that’s right for you. However, its important to note that, if you do select GPL software for your blogging application, that there are certain requirements that will be placed on you as you develop plugins, themes and other elements for your blog.
Next Up: GPL and themes/plugins
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