[License-discuss] exploring the attachment between the author and the code

[Christopher Sean Morrison]

> On Feb 28, 2020, at 12:46 PM, Thorsten Glaser <tg at mirbsd.de> wrote:
> 
> It’s mine, I crafted the work, so I have a certain amount of pride
> in it (“Werksstolz” in German). However I’m standing on the shoulders
> of giants (those who created Unix/BSD, MuseScore, the canon of the
> fandom I’m writing fanfics for, etc.) and therefore cannot even think
> of not publishing my work under Copyfree terms (doesn’t mean I don’t
> wish for some kind of recognisation sometimes though).

Neither pride in the work, recognizing influences, or wishing recognition are coupled to ownership or taken away by an ownerless perspective.

To own something is to have a right or entitlement about it and what may be done with it including gifting it to others, and the law (and Berne Convention) certainly afford me that right for an exceptional period of time on my works, but my view is that I shouldn’t have that right or entitlement over it once it’s been openly offered up to society (nor should anyone else).

I “created" my kids, am extremely proud of them, realize they are shaped by others, and want others to know they are my kids, but I don’t feel like I own them, don’t feel like I should own them, and certainly believe nobody else should own them either.  They are “mine” in terms of progeny and pride (and legal responsibility until society says otherwise) only.  They are intrinsically, however, their own persons.  Becoming an adult is society’s way of open sourcing them.

I guess I’ve made a lot of code babies over the years!

Cheers,
Sean