GPL and close source on gnutella
 

Thanks a lot for your answers.

One questions remains. I asked about if bearshare was close source. It seems its true. So, I wish to know what the gnutella comunity think about the use of the protocol and the network by these close source programs and strong comercial programs (this is a diferrent case, like Morpheus, that is open source but really comercial).

I am thinking about make a client (i said this yet) and about if i wish to make it close or open source.

Re: GPL and close source on gnutella
 

read those threads:

http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...&threadid=9888 'OpenSource P2P Debate, it's about choice'
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=10544 'Gnutella has a problem'

Re: GPL and close source on gnutella
 

Mine will be closed source too when released. It's the Gnutella protocol itself that needs to remain uncommercialized and public domain. Just like, say, the HTTP protocol. But it should be fine to have commercial or closed source applications built based on the open protocol (think Netscape, Opera, MSIE, IIS, Apache, etc for HTTP).

The best part of that is that it will allow healthy competition. End users will have a wider choice of Gnutella clients, each for everyone's taste. And if such client isn't out there, people are free to use the Gnutella protocol to make one that does meet their ideas/demands and optionally release it.

Other question (to Cultiv8r)
 

Cultiv8r,

First, I understand if you think that I ask too much and you don’t answer me.

Could you tell me about legal and burocracy stuff, or where to read about it?. I mean things like how to register the name of your servant (legal registration, no in the GDF database), how to register as a company (in US), how much cost, etc. I suppose that you have to go thru this stuff while you create your servant. I am pre-designing my servant, and this could be useful to me later. I think I am a good developer but I don’t have idea of this stuff. So, if anyone thinks that this isn't place to ask those things, I could say that is a developer issue too, since it's needed. You could see me as competency, but as you said, other clients would wide gnutella user base too.

Thanks anyway.

Re: Other question (to Cultiv8r)
 

Well, most of that information can be obtained from your local Chamber of Commerce, check the blue pages of the phone book.

You don't really have to start as sole proprietor, LLC or Incorporated company if you'd like to make a closed source client. But an LLC or incorpration will certainly help when it comes to liability issues. So in essence, you could release it with your name on the copyright.

Also, the Chamber of Commerce can refer you to a number of professionals experienced in this area (legal and liability protection that is) at reduced rates or even free. Just inquire about it.

Whatever path you take, good luck :)

Shareaza
 

Thanks Cultiv8r.

Taliban, BTW, Could you tell me the reason why you hate shareaza so much?

Re: Shareaza
 

I don't think so, it's more the religious type of irrational hatred for absolutely no sensible reason.

what's the secret?
 

Why you don't want to say your reasons?. You keep me intrigued.

Shareaza seems to have good features, no spyware, so... why so bad?. They kick you off their developt team or something?

Without acrimony.

I think Taliban likes to add a little controversial flavor to the posts :) I don't think he intends to be 100% serious, although sometimes those clues are not always obvious. Or am I wrong, Taliban? (Obviously, I can't speak for you...)

Just go and visit one of the Gnutella info pages :)