WordPress Creator Forcing Plugins/Templates into GPL?

[bja]

Slashdot had a post about this and I don't remember seeing anyone on here about it. The gist is that WP's creator, Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt), is continuing with his interpretation that all WP templates and plugins are derivative works under copyright law and thus need to be GPL'd or cease distribution. I know WP is heavily used by some people on this forum, particularly some developers...

[Stephen]

WordPress is also heavily used by folks that didn't read, or didn't understand, its TOS

[GrouchyAdmin]

It doesn't work that way. He can't force anything created externally to release anything except code glue for the GPL bits.

In essence, you can release the 'source' as <?php get_post( $post, $output ); ?> if he wants to be a little bitch about it, and you're perfectly in compliance w/ GPL so long as the rest of your functionality is derived in-house.

[fris]

only the code that uses wordpress functions is gpl

[Brujah]

show me a theme or a plugin that doesn't use a wordpress function

[ottopottomouse]

Seen the thing with Thesis going on but not really expecting much of it as it would affect all paid stuff for WordPress.

What is their nearest competitor though if they shoot themselves in the face by throwing their weight about too much?

[Brujah]

Seen the thing with Thesis going on but not really expecting much of it as it would affect all paid stuff for WordPress.

What is their nearest competitor though if they shoot themselves in the face by throwing their weight about too much?

thesis is GPL now

[fris]

thesis is GPL now

except the graphics and css

[Brujah]

except the graphics and css

right, since those aren't required to be licensed under GPL. Someone will probably fork thesis now to a completely GPL theme instead of only split-GPL.

[VGeorgie]

Probably the fastest (and best) way to end the hegemony of WordPress. If themes are considered GPL, then anyone who modifies a theme and makes it public on his or her blog must also provide the source.

It's not that people wouldn't want to share - most wouldn't care - but it adds a complexity that bloggers would probably not be interested in. As if they have that kind of time on their hands.

It just means people will look to use something else.

[ottopottomouse]

thesis is GPL now

I'd not been paying attention
http://mashable.com/2010/07/22/thesis-relents/

[Brujah]

Probably the fastest (and best) way to end the hegemony of WordPress. If themes are considered GPL, then anyone who modifies a theme and makes it public on his or her blog must also provide the source.

It's not that people wouldn't want to share - most wouldn't care - but it adds a complexity that bloggers would probably not be interested in. As if they have that kind of time on their hands.

It just means people will look to use something else.

I don't think it works like that. It's not that you're obligated to share your own modifications. If you distribute it, then those users can modify it and share it if they want.

"If I only make copies of a GPL-covered program and run them, without distributing or conveying them to others, what does the license require of me?
Nothing. The GPL does not place any conditions on this activity."
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html

[Deej]

yep, templates are PGL, have been i believe for awhile.

graphics i thought was all thats not under GPL...

Fris, you say Css is 'protected' too?

[fris]

yep, templates are PGL, have been i believe for awhile.

graphics i thought was all thats not under GPL...

Fris, you say Css is 'protected' too?

css shouldnt be protected as far as i know.

[Deej]

css shouldnt be protected as far as i know.

oh, you were referring to thesis, yea I didnt think CSS was off limits

[bja]

The GPL wouldn't actually prevent someone from modifying wordpress for their blog/site and then not disclosing the source. It would make them disclose source if they distribute the modifications (e.g. for cash).