Thread: Why should I develop for the N800?
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cripes is offline cripes
2007-12-20 , 20:30
Posts: 111 | Thanked: 31 times | Joined on Nov 2007
#18
Originally Posted by gnexus View Post
Please explain to me how I can make cash when: 1) Any software I write will necessarily use GPL code and thus be freely available for others, such as Nokia, to integrate into their code and thus to use my intellectual property without compensation.
which crucial libaries are GPLed? I assumed most were LGPL or equivalent.

Anyway, what get the impression of is that the Nxx series is simply a side project to gauge the viability of Linux to replace Symbian on Nokia's mainstream devices. A side benefit to Nokia is the ability for them to mine any GPL code submitted by Nxx developers and integrate it into their own code which they use to sell their devices. I don't see why I should develop for the Nxx just to find that later on Nokia has used my code without compensation to sell their devices and add to their billion dollar balance sheet.
the virtue of GPLed code is that everyone can mine the code and everyone has to give back their improvements if they choose to redistribute it. if the maemo ecosystem is successful then there is no practical reason other hardware and software vendors couldn't take advantage of it as well. for nokia to benefit from your contribution they actually have to add value themselves.

The philosophy of the GPL is to allow you to sell your software expertise as a service but not your software as a commodity. If you want to do the latter then don't release code under the GPL or depend on GPLed code. if you don't want to share "Your IP" then don't write open source code at all.