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deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Lobsters·28d ago·5 min read
Licensing can be joyful (and legally dubious) (2024)
TL;DR
Software licenses reflect the values of their creators, influencing user reach, openness, and profit potential. The JSON license, with its controversial 'Good' and 'Evil' clause, highlights the playful side of licensing despite its legal ambiguity.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider adopting a playful license for your next project to encourage dialogue and reflect your values.
Key Takeaways
- Explore unconventional licenses to express your software values.
- Engage in discussions about ethical software use with your team.
- Consider the implications of subjective terms in licensing.
- Use humor in licensing to make serious topics more approachable.
Full Summary
Licensing in software development serves as a means to express the creator's intentions and values, impacting user accessibility and future software iterations. The JSON license, introduced by Doug Crockford, adds a clause that defines software use based on subjective notions of 'Good' and 'Evil', which has raised legal concerns due to the lack of clear definitions.
While this clause is unlikely to be enforceable, it aims to provoke thought and discussion rather than strictly regulate behavior. Other playful licenses exist that similarly inject humor into a typically serious domain, encouraging a lighter approach to software licensing.
These licenses may not lead to significant legal changes but can foster dialogue about ethical software use. Ultimately, they challenge the conventional seriousness of licensing and invite creativity in how software is shared and utilized.