[Toolserver-l] Changes to expired accounts web hosting

[Martin Peeks]

On 5 February 2010 02:57, James Alexander <jamesofur at gmail.com> wrote:
> Well I would think that we would be able to have them "opt-in" to the
> free licence in the same way that wikimedia does (you agree to it when
> you signup/submit something). We would just be giving them the
> opportunity to opt-out of that and still use the service. I would tend
> to agree with having an opt-out function, mostly for legitimate
> concerns like Pathoschilds.

You hint upon another obvious counter-argument: namely that the
Wikimedia Projects demand CC licensing on text and they get on well.
Obviously the situation isn't the same here - namely that CC licensing
is a necessity for the goal of the project.

I would submit that F/OS licensing is not a  *necessity* for tools.
It's very nice though, and I agree with the obvious benefits.

Aryeh, earlier:
"if you want to
write closed-source software related to Wikimedia, you can do it on
your own dime and not using Wikimedia-DE's hardware, software, or
administration budget"

The cost of administrating an opt-out programme and enforcing
free/open-source rules would be rather onerous on an administration
budget, I feel.

Again, I think that education as to the benefits of open sourcing code
to precipitate a complete change in attitude in those who habitually
go closed-source is far better than forcing it upon them.

Thanks
Martin