[theme-reviewers] GPL and limiting usage

[Trent Lapinski]

1) No one is arguing the GPL ensures quality.

2) They actually can't due to a validation API that restricts usage. If you stop paying you lose API validation and Pro features, which is why this is NOT GPL compatible. 

You do not get to keep access to what you paid for if you stop paying.

The main issue here is number 2, which Otto argued doesn't apply because the copyright holder isn't subject to the terms of the GPL, which according to the GNU is not true.

With that said, if what Otto was claiming is not true according to the GNU then Nacin's support of Otto's position is also not valid. 

At this point, I'm 100% confident that most of the people who are arguing that what PageLines is doing is GPL compatible do not fully understand the lengths PageLines has gone in their Pro features to lock users in, and limit usage.

This is a cut and dry issue now that we have official confirmation from the GNU on this issue. This isn't up for interpretation, PageLines Pro features violate the GPL usage limitations.

--Trent Lapinski
=============
CEO of CyberChimps Inc

On Oct 9, 2013, at 2:09 PM, Srikanth Koneru <tskk79 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Actually, GNU response doesn't change anything.
> 
> 1) Users can freely distribute, copy trash, junk whatever they want currently. All GPL guarantees is that pagelines won't come after users legally for using its product without paying it. GPL doesn't ensure the ease of use of software or quality of software.
> 
> 2) They can pay 1 month fee, get the code, remove restrictions and not pay anymore.
> 
> Since Otto and Nacin said its fine, I guess WPORG is fine too.
> 
> 
> On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 2:27 AM, Design 311 <hello at design311.com> wrote:
>  +1
> 
> 
> From: Bryan Hadaway 
> Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 10:55PM 
> To: Discussion list for WordPress theme reviewers. 
> Cc: 
> Subject: Re: [theme-reviewers] GPL and limiting usage 
> 
>> It should be removed immediately. It shouldn't have been approved in the first place, that was a mistake. We all make mistakes, no worries.
>> 
>> No one's trying to ban PageLines from WPORG or anything, but like everyone else, they need to meet all the requirements before they're allowed into the repo.
>> 
>> 
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