[odf-discuss] ODF adoption considered in Oregon

[Daniel Carrera]

On Thu, 2007-29-03 at 10:24 +0200, Thomas Zander wrote:
> The GPL actually is a contract.
> One you choose to accept when you use the software/code.

The GPL is not a contract, it's a license. A contract requires an
exchange of promises with clearly defined benefits for both parties. A
lot of things that at first sight might look like a contract, aren't. A
while ago someone wanted to borrow money from my brother. He wrote down
something on paper to the effect that he'd pay him back the money with
xyz interest. My brother took a look and said "I can't sign this, this
isn't a contract; you didn't specify the benefit to you".

As the GPL does not involve an exchange of promises and does not state
benefits for both parties, it is not a contract. It is a license. A
license is a permission to do something under certain conditions.

Cheers,
Daniel.
-- 
int RandomNumber() {
    return 4; // Generated by fair dice roll.
              // Guaranteed to be random!
}