Definition of Philosophy

Software Philosophy: The Copyleft

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copyleftWe all know about copyright and the laws governing them but do you know about the copyleft?

According to the GNU website, “Copyleft is a general method for making a program or other work free, and requiring all modified and extended versions of the program to be free as well.” The main difference of a product/program that is is “copyleft” from one that is simply not copyrighted or made available to anyone freely is that it ensures that all other programs and products arising from the original one remains free as well because “Copyleft says that anyone who redistributes the software, with or without changes, must pass along the freedom to further copy and change it.”

Now with such a nice spirit of sharing why isn’t everyone adopting this new way of thinking and “copylefting” their works? The answer isn’t always just plain economics since you can sell copylefted products thus allowing for a profit. What CANNOT be done is simply disallowing anyone else to your software in whatever way they want to. However, you have to acknowledge that the “copyleft” makes for minimal profit since the creator’s “power to control” his creation is limited to simply saying that others need to also share. No more decades of getting royalty from outdated but important works that were the basis of other works.

What’s interesting is that what many people don’t realize is that there are other ways out there to “copyright” [or not] your works. In this digital age knowing how to protect your rights/wishes or at least the rights of your users is a must if you really wish to attain your goals.

Originally posted on November 22, 2010 @ 3:12 pm

Web Trust on the Balancing Act

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As far as trust in transactions or with the people on the Internet is concerned, it is pretty much even. The manner to which you can trust and negotiate online has so far been leveled these days, making them practically in equal footing as far as daily activities is concerned.

The Internet philosophy of bringing people closer and making life easier through various developments on communication and e-commerce has come a long way. Since its inception, a lot of changes have evolved. There are still a number of people who have their doubts on how to properly transact and deal with people over the web but much of these figures have obviously dwindled.

A lot has to do with how controlling bodies aimed at protecting the interest of most people transacting over the web has been developed. Fraud and scammers are still around but this time around they can be traced and jailed if they are not careful. Unlike before when cybercops were not around to make sure that fear or some form of authority would be there to assist most people, the story is different now.

Add to the fact that online companies have been assisted pretty well also. To make a transaction work, steps to ensure that there is no wild goose chase in the offing has further honed online shopping and business over the web today.

The Internet philosophy has indeed changed. These days, the web has been the prime resource to check out. This and more are expected to ensure that this philosophy is further honed and brightened for the people having doubts on the Internet and its laurels.

Originally posted on August 11, 2008 @ 3:56 am