Posted by Stephen Auerbach on September 18, 2007 at 09:29:10:
Let's talk about this and then let's publish something for the folks who miss out on the scintillating conversation.
1- Who owns the software? If it's built as a "work for hire" the buyer owns it.
2- Is the buyer a "knowledgeable" party to the agreement. I'm reminded of the current mortgage fiasco. Does the buyer really understand how important the source is/will be to the future of his business? If he does not, how does that affect the contract he has with the developer?
3- Then there is the history of Lotus. They carefully protected their software. So carefully that now they are dead. And the current nonsense with recorded music: carefully protected and clearly dying a slow and painful death.
On the other hand, there are folks making a living supporting FREE software. How can that be? FREE software? Making a living?
I'd love some response to this rant. And I hope we do find time, over drinks, in Lost Wages, to discuss this further.