The particular software I am developing is of a very particular and so-far neglected importance. And my reasons for not wanting it to be GPL-compatible for the moment, is as follows:
I am basing my decision on which course of actions will prove most beneficial to society, and to reduce or limit current trends that are detrimental to humanity. 2 trends are as follows (explained through somewhat chronological view to help readers understand my though process):
(1) Software is increasing becoming more important in our daily lives, yet there a so few individuals capable of understanding (and building) the fundamental software. There is a over-abundance of mediocre at best “web developers”. While there too few who can (and have) design & build: EFFICIENT & BLOAT-FREE (a) programming language, (b) core kernel + drivers, (c) essential programs + libraries.
(2) Software is overly COMPLICATED.
Please note, COMPLICATED != COMPLEX.
Complex software is software that can perform many useful things efficiently. Meanwhile, complicated software is BADLY written “spagetti” code with “dependency hell” that makes it difficult to read, understand, debug, and refactor ---- as a result, complicated code is rife with unstability, vulnerabilities, backdoors or spyware, and BLOAT.
To solve these 2 problems simultaneously, the following is the solution:
Not all software is useful. And not all software is well written. Furthermore, the majority of code is “bloatware”. Programming is a mentally intensive endeavour, and very few people can do it well. Add to this reality is the fact human life is short, and the time required to learn to program + learn what is needed for a particular area of expertise ---- all of this takes TREMENDOUS TIME & EFFORT.
What all this means is we need (and benefit from) clean, clear, concise, short, efficient non-bloat software to both (1) learn from, & (2) build with. And the GPL (GNU General Public License) has been the single-most import force to help humanity towards this goal.
But with time, we have witnessed a few large organizations / companies that use GPL software and turn it MALICIOUS. For example, by “bundling” COMPLICATED non-open code (libraries, compiler dependencies, binaries, etc) to create a “CLOSED ECOSYSTEM” called ANDROID + GOOGLE PLAY.
While on the surface, Android is purportedly “open source”, it is IN-ACCESSIBLE to the majority of Programmers (even hardcore ones) ----- because (1) it is overly complicated, (2) depends on a myriad of bloated SDK / Libraries (eg Kotlin, Java), & (3) to compile it requires a load of compilers and dependencies with themselves depend on other libraries, which depend on other binaries, in a “DEPENDENCY HELL”.
Another example of GPL software becoming “closed source” for practical purposes is KONQUEROR WEB BROWSER, which CHROME WEB BROWSER and WEBKIT is derived from. So no we have a closed version, “Chrome” and an open version, “Chromium” ------> Whereas, if I recall, programs which is even PARTIALLY derived from GPL code automatically is COMPLETELY GPL.
So I don’t know how Google can blatantly violate the GPL…
Personally, I enjoy software from 2 unique perspectives. I like to use well-written efficient & USEFUL programs. And I like to learn and contribute back by WRITING well-written efficient & USEFUL programs. And that is why I chose to support the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and their GPL license, as this is been the #1 more effective software license that promotes the continuation of FREEDOM of both users & developers. And from Ton Roosendaal’s conscientious and conscious decision to choose the GPL, he also feels the same way.
So why would I release some of my software as GPL compatible, while not others???
The answer is simple & effective:
Number 1, I recognize that good developers are the most important, not users. Without good programmers, there would be no good software. Non-programmers do NOT program.
Number 2, we need a entire Computer System that is GPL. A computer system is comprised of not only the Kernel (eg Linux), but also Compilers, system libraries, and numerous useful Programs. If one of the ESSENTIAL component is non-Free, you are vulnerable as any closing off may prevent you from developing & using your Computer.
Therefore, we need more & more people interested in computers & software, to use and program under a GNU + Linux ecosystem. To achieve this, we need to make it compelling to use GNU + Linux, rather than Windows or MacOS or Android. We can look at this in 2 ways: (1) What major programs that are missing on GNU + Linux??? (2) What unique program is on GNU + Linux, that no other system has???
ANSWERS:
(1) GNU + Linux lacks good Video Games. Afterall, Games are the major force in advances in computing. Boys like games, they grow up as men who then create next generation of games (and computing systems). So I will develop AWESOME games for GNU + Linux, and quite a few of them will be EXCLUSIVE to GNU + Linux.
I am a self-taught programmer. I don’t know (nor like) over-complicated “programming paradigms” and bloated libraries & frameworks. There are counter-productive and retarded. In modern Game development, you need 2 areas of expertise: (1) Artists & (2) Programmers.
Fun games are those that are not (a) repetitive, (b) boring, (3) non-smooth, (4) ugly, (5) short & limited, etc. We like to play games that are engaging and “real” (while maintaining simplicity) -------> While I’m not an expert programmer, I know what is fun and makes good gameplay. This is reason for a more advance AI, which I am developing called Advance Adaptive Artificial Intelligence (A3I).
(2) While there has been major advances in Computer Graphics, interestingly there has been lackluster progress with MUSIC. In particular, we all enjoy good music, the the vast majority are horrible, and the VARIETY is severely lacking. Personally, I don’t like listening to limited variety and limited genre of music. Just like I don’t like eating the exact same meal for every single day of my life!!!
Fortunately, this is another area that I am developing. Imagine a software that can compose & produce it’s own music — and the music is actually both GOOD and has VARIETY!!! Don’t just imagine it, it is possible.
So, if GNU + Linux has this, while others don’t ----- it will provide impetus for migrating to GNU + Linux.
These 2 are among other “useful” software I am developing and mentioned before. Another is a new FREE Next-Gen Internet that is much simpler to build on, that isn’t plagued with all the problems of the current Internet (including but not limited to Censorship). But this is another topic. I will reveal more details as I make more progress, just a heads-up for now.