Today FUTO released an application called Grayjay for Android-based mobile phones. Louis Rossmann introduced the application in a video (YouTube link). Grayjay as an application is very promising, but there is one point I take issue with: Grayjay is not an Open Source application. In the video Louis explains his reason behind the custom license, and while I do agree with his reason, I strong disagree with his method. In this post I will explain what Open Source means, how Grayjay does not meet the criteria, why this is an issue, and how it can be solved.
That’s the whole argument. It can be a very nice and useful product, but just don’t say “it’s open source”
If you read into the blog post this links to, you’ll find that is only the opening argument, not the whole argument as you say.
My first paragraph reacts to that… and to be honest, I’m still going to say isn’t that controversial.
When most people think of Open Source, they’re not thinking about the OSL, they’re thinking colloquially (as in the source being open to the public). I suspect he was using that wording colloquially as well - whether that was a slip up or intentional, I don’t know, but considering he goes out of his way to let us know about the way Grayjay’s licensing works, I don’t think he’s trying to hide anything by it.
The rest of what I said afterwards was my first reaction towards the rest of the blog, and I stand by it.