Re: [linux-audio-user] Re: distorting Linuxsampler

I have worked for diverse unix and networking companies for about 20 years now, I know that sounds like I am going to give an OldHat comment, but the reputation of what is now GPL software has changed dramatically. I first worked with the 0.99 Linux kernel, and, at the time, people in the industry had the opinion that Public Domain (GPL/Whatever) software was buggy, rather full of holes and not really ready for commercial or professional use. If you speak to the same people now that has totally changed, public domain software is respected far ahead of most commercially available applications, whether that is in audio, security, web services, etc. The feeling that software development companies have a single goal which is to make money is widely understood, whilst that open source developers want products that work and fit requirements has only now become respected. I actually deal with multibillion dollar companies who want and prefer open source applications, the whole community of developers make sure that these applications do what they say on the tin. This leaves a big hole in the GPL, since software developers are now making products that the industry wants, and making it available for free. A lot of people are using this to their advantage, taking 'public domain' software private, making money, and not re-releasing their improvements back to the community. What I want to say is the migration of Linux Sampler from GPL to any other form of license is just a recognition of a massive shift in the market, and perhaps something that GPL needs to come to terms with. _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/