Freeing Squeak (license-wise)

Jimmie Houchin jhouchin at texoma.net
Thu Mar 13 15:45:44 UTC 2003


Alan Kay wrote:
> I don't think that you have a good model here of how things work. I 
> think Andrew would agree if I called the US a "litigous society" (people 
> like to sue each other and do), so almost anything is actionable 
> regardless of any logic or prior art or agreements. This is why "less is 
> more" in general. The question is very often not who is right but who 
> has the larger resources. Who can tie the the other party up and get 
> injunctions, etc.?
> 
> I'm just advising you to be very careful about all of this.
> 
> Alan

I agree we should proceed with caution and wisdom.
The goal of this isn't to make a good attempt but rather to achieve a 
desired outcome.

A couple points or questions.

I fail to percieve how Apple could restrict our activities more than the 
current licenses language should Apple be entirely antagonistic to our 
proposely. Am I wrong? How could they restrict us from where we are?

Apple has no current time, development or monetary interest in Squeak 
and hasn't in some time. It affects their bottom line in no way.

It seems to me that Apple could (hopefully should) be willing to free 
Squeak (more) provided we remove their IP (fonts) and we protect them 
legally (indemnify).

Does not the BSD license provide reasonable protection?
Apple is a consumer/beneficiary of BSD code.
It would be good PR for them to be benefactors of BSD software.

The BSD license should satisfactorily indemnify Apple.
Apple has (should have) further legal protection by the facts of:
a. Apple has no interest or investment in Squeak for years.
b. Squeak in its current form is quite far from when Apple released it.

Would having a non-profit corporation as a Squeak trustee help Apple?
Would it help persuade Apple?

Is Squeak e.V. enough, desirable?
Would a U.S. corporation be more desirable?
If so one can be setup rather quickly.
I know in Texas you can do it in 24-48 hours online if you have the 
Articles written.

Facts are thus:
We can provide Apple with many reasons to release Squeak.
Apple can benefit by name association and PR via the Squeak project.

But,
Apple needs absolutely no reason to be antagonistic and refuse our 
requests. It is within their corporate ability.

The question would then still be,
How can they hurt us from where we are?

Any clarification of these issues appreciated.

Jimmie Houchin



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