Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 16:29 Post subject: Changing license of the GUI code
Hello
I have been wondering what the pros and cons would be if the MAME license was being used on the DD-WRT GUI code so that commercial use would be illegal for those not holding the copyright (or permission from the copyright holders).
In this way the GUI code could be developed in a open manner and we would be able to contribute by far more people and we would be able to use newer software technologies to make the GUI more modern and easier to use, because we would be more people.
The cons of course are that while the MAME license forbids commercial use (except for those holding the copyright or permission) it does not hinder that people may use it in a way where the nice people behind DD-WRT are loosing money and thereby salleries. So the question is basically would the MAME license be enough to protect against unwanted use meaning other people using the GUI code for profit?
I am not able to give the answer. I am only able to ask the question.
I have a deeply and sincerely respect and thanks to the people behind DD-WRT so my question and intent is simply to ask if it would be possible to open up the code so that more people can contribute to the GUI code?
E.g. I would like some GUI changes about handling IPv6, but also the general user experience for instance "where is the setting for something specific". Here it would be brilliant to use a search bar e.g. in the top that returns relevant fields containing substrings of what you have written and searches for. I have seen something like that on an iphone, but it may be likely more used at other places?
Other than that I generally like the open nature so it is not(!) because I think someone wants to hide things away. I guess it is simply about getting food on the table and hinder that other people use the GUI commercially - I fully understand that.
For my sake it would also be acceptable to transfer what ever contributions I may work on (the copyright) to the project so that it is still under the "control" of DD-WRT.
Here is a reference to the MAME license: http://mamedev.org/legal.html
of course another license might be even better just link to one for instance.
On a second note: I have been wondering if I should post under
'Development' - 'Generic Questions'
or
'DD-WRT (English)' - 'General Questions'
I chose the first, but I might be wrong, but no bad intent was ment!
I haven't studied up on the license of DD-WRT but I was under the impression that it was derived from OpenWRT and is GPL licensed? Meaning you can't change it to proprietary...
WARNING: Due to abuse by those re-branding DD-WRT and selling it, or pre-flashed routers with it on eBay, builds dated later than 08/04/2006 have some protections against re-branding the web UI.
pfSense earns money from support and by selling hardware: https://www.pfsense.org/products/
But the software including the web interface is open source. It maskes it so much easier to contribute when you can search, find and analyze in all of the code and then send in patches etc.
As I understand it DD-WRT earns money from the vendors that want quick DD-WRT device support as well as from http://dd-wrt.com/site/professional/ .
pfSense has gained widespread support, because it is open source and easy to use.
I would be thrilled if the web interface (the GUI) of DD-WRT would become truly the same - easy and maintainable to contribute to.
What I mean: It should not be that difficult to contribute and make patches to DD-WRT with respect to the GUI:
http://www.devttys0.com/2011/09/modifying-the-dd-wrt-gui/
I just wish DD-WRT to flourish
So all I am asking is: Would it not make sense to make it easier for everyone to contribute to the project?
