Why This Site Exists
This site exists because the GPL exists. More precisely, it exists because the GPL is a Share-Alike license. If one piece of software is licensed under the GPL, then all programs which contain even the smallest bit of code from that software must also be put under the GPL.
The goal of 'open source' is to allow programmers of all skill levels and backgrounds to read, copy, learn from, and improve upon already-existing programs and applications. Some, for one reason or another, cannot or do not wish to use a Share-Alike license. Should they then be prevented from contributing to and taking advantage of open source software? We think not.
From The BSD License Definition:
In many cases, the use of open source code can allow companies to develop products more quickly and with less expense than if they wrote them with entirely original code. The fact that derivative products of BSD-licensed software are not required to be open source can be very useful for developers who want to create commercial products from open source code but who want to keep their modifications and/or extensions secret. Interestingly, companies that initially develop closed source products based on BSD-licensed code tend to be more likely to eventually make their source code publicly available than are companies that develop products that do not incorporate code code [sic].
This Site's Goal
There is so much software out there under a Share-Alike license that finding anything under other open-source licenses is nearly impossible. This site was created to make that task easier. This site is meant to be a repository of information about any open source software not under a Share-Alike license.
Who Contributes To This Site?
Anybody is welcome to contribute. All you have to do is sign up for an account, then start editing.
The site was originally created, and is still maintained, by James Dearing.
