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.
what? no! licenses are how authors are deciding to grant specific permissions on their copyright.
that is like saying because you found a book in a library you have the choice to copy it and sell it.
the fact that source is available does not grant any permission besides looking at it.