I’ve never been a big fan of Richard Stallman, but his GPL concept is brilliant. Bill Gates is right to be scared.

Gates’ latest speech on the issue was delivered in mid-April to a Government Leaders’ Conference in Seattle, where he warned developing countries [against using software based on the GPL](http://www.microsoft.com/billgates/speeches/2002/04-17glc.asp,) saying those who put development time into it are denying themselves the benefits of essential taxes.

He’s sure sounding desperate to me. A desperate Bill Gates is good for the world, IMHO 🙂

But in a
column for ZDNet UK, Stallman said the real reason that Microsoft attacks the GPL is that it creates a domain of software that the company cannot privatize and control. Microsoft’s approach to free software is simple: ‘What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is mine.’

But on the other hand, maybe I have Stallman all wrong! Yah just gotta love a guy that’s not afraid to take it to Mr. Gates.