[theme-reviewers] GPL and limiting usage

[Otto]

On Fri, Sep 20, 2013 at 3:29 PM, Bryan Hadaway <bhadaway at gmail.com> wrote:
> Here's my understanding of the GPL as simplified as possible (for my own
> sake):
>
> If using something that is licensed under the GPL (in this case a WP theme),
> your basic usage rights are protected under that license to use the theme on
> as many websites as you like, for both personal and commercial use.
>
> Any attempt at trying to limit that right in any way with your own addendum
> would immediately render the license not GPL2/3 compatible.
>
> Now, even if it somehow did not hurt the GPL licensed part of the theme and
> added a secondary license, proprietary, or otherwise that would still cause
> a WP policy issue as everything packaged in that theme must be 100% GPL
> compatible.
>
> Now, whether you agree with the above or not, these are the rules we've all
> been playing by for theme developers, reviewers and the users themselves for
> as long as I can remember, last 2-3 years.
>
> Maybe we're at a crossroads, a new era where some of this needs to be
> re-worked out which I can accept, so long as we at least all get on the same
> page.

I don't disagree with anything you said here. However, none of it
seems at all relevant. The theme is available under the GPL. The
plugin they're selling is being sold under the GPL (I assume).

Where's the fire?

-Otto