Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Or is it perhaps because users don't want to use it unless they have no choice (in terms of software alternatives released under other OSS licenses)?

20 years ago GPL was the only thing most users new to OSS knew about. Since then they have learned there are better choices Meanwhile GPLv3 was the final nail in the coffin of the bossy OSS licenses.

One thing I don't get is why the OP proclaims love for GPLv3. It's the worst GPL license out there. I avoid it as both a contributor and user.



20 years ago MIT and BSD were also an option, with most UNIX taking code from BSD and hardly contributing back.

If you are running GNU/Linux and not Solaris, it is because of the network effects of the GPL.

Apparently most anti-GPL folks don't have an issue going back to those days.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: