Re: Is it OK to use my rewritten GNU program commercially?

[rjack]

Inventor wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have released my sports prediction software under the GNU GPL,
> folks are using it, and I plan to add the latest features for a
> 'final' release.  The first version is a klugy hodgepodge of code
> with only a command line interface, and now that I am learning the
> beginnings of OOP and CGI, I am rewriting the program from scratch
> with a web front- end.  The new code will have the same algorithm as
> the old code, but is completely new in every other way.
>
> My friend wants to possibly commercialize the new code someday, 
> setting up a web page and charging for either access or software or 
> datafeed.  Now, i'm fairly sure we could charge for datafeed since 
> that is not the program, just the data for the program, but could we 
> charge for access or software of the new program?  I would keep the 
> old program on the web for free in any case.
>
> Is it OK to commercialize the new rewritten version, or have I given 
> that away for free as well?  Also, is it OK that we would have a free
>  command line version and a paid web version, or is that just plain 
> wrong to do?  I think it's OK because the new program is totally new,
>  but i thought I'd ask wiser folks to be sure.
>
> Thanks in advance, Inventor
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!

Richard Stallman and Eben Moglen now own your program, your wife and
kids, the family dog and your primary residence -- tax free. Since you
have used their universal and omnipotent GPL license, if you even
converse with your friends, their programs also become GPL licensed
works. Such is the power of the GPL, only a shaman from the Ug!atia
tribe of southern Ethiopia can undo its control over you.

rjack