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Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing Licenses

Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing Licenses

Lars Linden, Carol Saunders
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 19
ISBN13: 9781609601973|ISBN10: 1609601971|EISBN13: 9781609601997
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-197-3.ch010
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MLA

Linden, Lars, and Carol Saunders. "Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing Licenses." Actor-Network Theory and Technology Innovation: Advancements and New Concepts, edited by Arthur Tatnall, IGI Global, 2011, pp. 143-161. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60960-197-3.ch010

APA

Linden, L. & Saunders, C. (2011). Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing Licenses. In A. Tatnall (Ed.), Actor-Network Theory and Technology Innovation: Advancements and New Concepts (pp. 143-161). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60960-197-3.ch010

Chicago

Linden, Lars, and Carol Saunders. "Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing Licenses." In Actor-Network Theory and Technology Innovation: Advancements and New Concepts, edited by Arthur Tatnall, 143-161. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2011. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60960-197-3.ch010

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Abstract

In June 2007, with the impending release of a revised version of the GNU General Public License (GPLv3), Linux kernel developers discussed the possibility of changing the license of the Linux kernel from being strictly the GPLv2 to a dual-licensing arrangement of both GPLv2 and GPLv3. We studied a set of Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML) postings to better understand the relationship among the kernel developers and these licenses. Using Actor-Network Theory, we identify and describe a LKML debate about licensing. Our narrative highlights important actor-networks, their interrelationships, and a (failed) process of translation. The details suggest that the conceptualization of a copyright license as a monolithic social force maintaining the Linux community should be tempered with an appreciation of authorship and its distributed nature within Linux development.

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