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  From: David Newall <davidn@rebel.net.au>
  To  : ilox <ilox@telstra.com>
  Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 20:16:23 +0930 (CST)

Re: Adobe attack on Open-source

I realise I'm getting off topic for an already off-topic topic, but...

ilox <ilox@telstra.com> wrote:
> Many Linux - Open Source programs are similar in look and feel to 
> commercial counterparts. That should not bring out the patent attorneys 
> without seeing if the programs are actually the same or just use 
> similar concepts.

I disagree to a limited extent.  If someone invents something new, and
then somebody else clones it to make a free alternative, the first person
should sue for patent or copyright infringement to the extent permitted by
law.  This is a fundamental difference in ideology between me and Stallman
(and yes, was the basis of a deplorable screaming match.)  He thinks we
have a duty to make a free alternative; I think that's intellectual theft.

Just because we want to make a free program doesn't excuse us from stealing
other people's ideas.  They spent good effort coming up with ideas, proving
the market, creating a product, and convincing you and me of the need.  It's
easy for us to breeze in afterwards, with a free equivalent, but that doesn't
really benefit society.  It discourages people from research, and if we're
only going to immitate then ultimately society loses big time.

(NB these thoughts are not about names of illustrator programs.)

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