[theme-reviewers] GPL and limiting usage

[Justin Tadlock]

I think some of you are misunderstanding what the GPL is about. It's 
about licensing what you're allowed to do with the code, not about 
licensing what happens when you actually run the code. Here's a quick 
theme for you:

|style.css|:

|/*
Theme Name: Test
License: GPL v2+
*/|

|index.php|:

|<?php wp_die( 'Your site broke!' ); ?>|

That would restrict a user's ability to use WordPress, but I licensed it 
under the GPL. Therefore, it does not restrict the user's ability to 
use, copy, modify, or distribute the code.

When we talk about the ability to "use" the code, it's not about whether 
the code works in a certain way for whatever application. You have the 
ability to use it (the code) how you see fit with no added restrictions.

Just to make things a little clearer, make sure you understand this 
particular line from the GPL <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html>:

    "Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are
    not covered by this License; they are outside its scope."

Is Pagelines placing any additional restrictions on those items listed 
from the GPL?

The only things I'm concerned with were stated in my previous email 
about policy on blocking features within a theme that WordPress.org hosts.

On 9/20/2013 4:01 PM, Ünsal Korkmaz wrote:

> I am not expert on GPL but if i cant use a code in WordPress Multisite 
> because of a license or code restriction (not talking about multisite 
> compatible), its not GPL in my eyes.. even author can say its gpl code..
>
> *preserve, protect and promote the freedom to use, study, copy, 
> modify, and redistribute computer software, and to defend the rights 
> of Free Software users. *from http://www.gnu.org/
>
> And yes, we cant use this theme/plugin/whatever in multisite if not 
> developer licensed: http://www.pagelines.com/pricing/
>
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