rebanyo

TomK32: Of course you can use GCC to compile non-GPL stuff. the FSF’s Freedom #0 is the freedom to use the software for any function. About linking to other non-GPL programs, that’s what the LGPL (or GPL with a linking exception) is for. The GPL I received with my WP tarball doesn’t explicitly state that I can link non-GPL software to it, so I presume it can’t be done.

As for suing people: I’d rather wait for them to sue me for copyright infringement when I modify their spammy themes (cause that’s my main issue).

pizdin_dim: Wikipedia isn’t written by lawyers. The GPL, on the other hand, is. It is also a binding contract to which users and devs subscribe, so it’s an enforceable rule (like a written law, but of lesser hierarchy). Courts have already ruled against people using GPLed code in non-GPLed apps.

Matt: Whoa, I never thought I’d get an answer from you. Thanks for the clarification (and technical insight, for those of us who can barely read some simple PHP).

Pizdin: Thanks for the tip. Still, “themeless WP” is a personal modification with WP 2.x. It’s a workaround, not the normal way to use it (at least, reading the text files included in the downladable archive). If I install WP following the standard set of instructions, and delete all my themes, I get a beautiful blank screen.

As for working without the WP core: If some piece of software you write is linked to a GPL library (without a linking exception), then you must GPL it. Your software wouldn’t work (just like a standalone theme) but the library would still serve its origninal purpose (just like the WP core). However, the comparison is flawed when we analyze the scope of the pieces: a WP theme is a VERY minor contribution when compared to WP.

However, I think there still needs to be some clarification: GPLed themes CAN be sold. The FSF sells much of it’s software. Actually, something under a noncommercial license isn’t Free Software at all, as defined by the FSF, or Open Source Software, as defined by OSI.

@ceejayoz: But themes aren’t plugins. You can’t use WP without one. Sure, the backend will run just fine, and you’ll get a beautiful database full of stuff, but you won’t be able to display your posts. Since at least one theme is necessary, I tend to think of them as an integral part of the software.

However, reading the GPL FAQ, I find that this isn’t necessarily so: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#WMS

However, the WP license doesn’t seem to have an exception for templates that link to the WP code. I suppose that the devs’ intent is to permit publishing of templates under any license, which is ok with me. However, It would be a good thing if the next versions of WP included an exception like this one.