WordPress Creator Forcing Plugins/Templates into GPL? - GoFuckYourself.com

bja · 07-23-2010, 10:51 AM

Slashdot had a post about this and I don't remember seeing anyone on here about it. The gist is that WP's creator, Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt), is continuing with his interpretation that all WP templates and plugins are derivative works under copyright law and thus need to be GPL'd or cease distribution. I know WP is heavily used by some people on this forum, particularly some developers...

Stephen · 07-23-2010, 10:52 AM

WordPress is also heavily used by folks that didn't read, or didn't understand, its TOS

GrouchyAdmin · 07-23-2010, 10:56 AM

It doesn't work that way. He can't force anything created externally to release anything except code glue for the GPL bits.

In essence, you can release the 'source' as <?php get_post( $post, $output ); ?> if he wants to be a little bitch about it, and you're perfectly in compliance w/ GPL so long as the rest of your functionality is derived in-house.

fris · 07-23-2010, 11:15 AM

only the code that uses wordpress functions is gpl

Brujah · 07-23-2010, 11:19 AM

show me a theme or a plugin that doesn't use a wordpress function

ottopottomouse · 07-23-2010, 11:29 AM

Seen the thing with Thesis going on but not really expecting much of it as it would affect all paid stuff for WordPress.

What is their nearest competitor though if they shoot themselves in the face by throwing their weight about too much?

Brujah · 07-23-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottopottomouse

Seen the thing with Thesis going on but not really expecting much of it as it would affect all paid stuff for WordPress.

What is their nearest competitor though if they shoot themselves in the face by throwing their weight about too much?

thesis is GPL now

fris · 07-23-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brujah

thesis is GPL now

except the graphics and css

Brujah · 07-23-2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fris

except the graphics and css

right, since those aren't required to be licensed under GPL. Someone will probably fork thesis now to a completely GPL theme instead of only split-GPL.

VGeorgie · 07-23-2010, 11:52 AM

Probably the fastest (and best) way to end the hegemony of WordPress. If themes are considered GPL, then anyone who modifies a theme and makes it public on his or her blog must also provide the source.

It's not that people wouldn't want to share - most wouldn't care - but it adds a complexity that bloggers would probably not be interested in. As if they have that kind of time on their hands.

It just means people will look to use something else.

ottopottomouse · 07-23-2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brujah

thesis is GPL now

I'd not been paying attention
http://mashable.com/2010/07/22/thesis-relents/

Brujah · 07-23-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VGeorgie

Probably the fastest (and best) way to end the hegemony of WordPress. If themes are considered GPL, then anyone who modifies a theme and makes it public on his or her blog must also provide the source.

It's not that people wouldn't want to share - most wouldn't care - but it adds a complexity that bloggers would probably not be interested in. As if they have that kind of time on their hands.

It just means people will look to use something else.

I don't think it works like that. It's not that you're obligated to share your own modifications. If you distribute it, then those users can modify it and share it if they want.

"If I only make copies of a GPL-covered program and run them, without distributing or conveying them to others, what does the license require of me?
Nothing. The GPL does not place any conditions on this activity."
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html

Deej · 07-23-2010, 12:51 PM

yep, templates are PGL, have been i believe for awhile.

graphics i thought was all thats not under GPL...

Fris, you say Css is 'protected' too?

fris · 07-23-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej

yep, templates are PGL, have been i believe for awhile.

graphics i thought was all thats not under GPL...

Fris, you say Css is 'protected' too?

css shouldnt be protected as far as i know.

Deej · 07-23-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fris

css shouldnt be protected as far as i know.

oh, you were referring to thesis, yea I didnt think CSS was off limits

bja · 07-23-2010, 01:41 PM

The GPL wouldn't actually prevent someone from modifying wordpress for their blog/site and then not disclosing the source. It would make them disclose source if they distribute the modifications (e.g. for cash).

07-23-2010, 10:51 AM	#1
bja Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16	WordPress Creator Forcing Plugins/Templates into GPL? Slashdot had a post about this and I don't remember seeing anyone on here about it. The gist is that WP's creator, Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt), is continuing with his interpretation that all WP templates and plugins are derivative works under copyright law and thus need to be GPL'd or cease distribution. I know WP is heavily used by some people on this forum, particularly some developers... __________________ Security Auditing and Remote Administration

07-23-2010, 10:56 AM	#3
GrouchyAdmin Now choke yourself! Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 12,085	It doesn't work that way. He can't force anything created externally to release anything except code glue for the GPL bits. In essence, you can release the 'source' as <?php get_post( $post, $output ); ?> if he wants to be a little bitch about it, and you're perfectly in compliance w/ GPL so long as the rest of your functionality is derived in-house. __________________ AIM: GrouchyGfy

07-23-2010, 11:15 AM	#4
fris Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 54,505	only the code that uses wordpress functions is gpl __________________ Since 1999: 69 Adult Industry awards for Best Hosting Company and professional excellence. my contact: fris at fris.net

07-23-2010, 11:19 AM	#5
Brujah Beer Money Baron Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: brujah / gmail Posts: 22,157	show me a theme or a plugin that doesn't use a wordpress function __________________ Free Premium Domain Lists and Tools at Clickmojo.com For Sale: Obscenity.com

07-23-2010, 11:29 AM	#6
ottopottomouse She is ugly, bad luck. Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 13,177	Seen the thing with Thesis going on but not really expecting much of it as it would affect all paid stuff for WordPress. What is their nearest competitor though if they shoot themselves in the face by throwing their weight about too much? __________________ ↑ see post ↑ 13101

07-23-2010, 10:52 AM	#2
Stephen Consigliere Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,771	WordPress is also heavily used by folks that didn't read, or didn't understand, its TOS

07-23-2010, 11:52 AM	#10
VGeorgie Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 359	Probably the fastest (and best) way to end the hegemony of WordPress. If themes are considered GPL, then anyone who modifies a theme and makes it public on his or her blog must also provide the source. It's not that people wouldn't want to share - most wouldn't care - but it adds a complexity that bloggers would probably not be interested in. As if they have that kind of time on their hands. It just means people will look to use something else.

07-23-2010, 12:51 PM	#13
Deej I make pixels work Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: I live here... Posts: 24,386	yep, templates are PGL, have been i believe for awhile. graphics i thought was all thats not under GPL... Fris, you say Css is 'protected' too? __________________ Deej's Designs n' What Not Hit me up for Design, CSS & Photo Retouching Icq#30096880

07-23-2010, 01:41 PM	#16
bja Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16	The GPL wouldn't actually prevent someone from modifying wordpress for their blog/site and then not disclosing the source. It would make them disclose source if they distribute the modifications (e.g. for cash). __________________ Security Auditing and Remote Administration