While reviewing the latest hubbub on GPLv3 (the open source license) I got hit with a strong wiff of nostalgia. Back in my Windows days, some 9-10 years ago — before I discovered the dark art of pirating software, I would browse download.com for freeware. My perception of freeware was that a very kind-hearted developer, surrounded by a throng of money-hungry leeches, stood up and exclaimed “I’m going to try make the world a better place.” On Windows, freeware was so rare, I’d be lucky to find anything at all that was worth using, but occasionally I did (like IrfanView, one of the best image viewers I’ve ever used).

Fast-forward to today, into Linux-land, where 99% (literally) of my software is open source and free. The 1% being Cedega (used for running, non-free, Windows games).

While reading the debate on GPLv3, I see that there really is a throng of kind-hearted developers amidst the throng of money-hungry leeches. Albeit a smaller throng, but a throng nonetheless. Enough people to make the free world turn.

Some things are free.