Curious Tech Experiment: Receiving GPLv3 After Writing to the Free Software Foundation for GPLv2
In the realm of open-source software, the GNU General Public License (GPL) is one of the most prominent and influential licenses. However, while many developers today use GPLv3, older software projects frequently adhere to GPLv2. One interesting aspect of the GPLv2 is the inclusion of a physical mailing address in its license notice, which can seem outdated in our digital age. The last line of the GPLv2 notice reads: "You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA." This inclusion of a physical address dates back to 1991 when the GPLv2 was published. At that time, internet access was limited, and software distribution often relied on physical media like tapes and floppy disks. Due to storage constraints, developers typically included only the license notice, leading users to mail the Free Software Foundation (FSF) for the full text if needed. The GPLv3, published in 2007, reflects the shift to widespread internet usage by including a URL in its notice. Curious about this relic of a bygone era, a developer decided to test the address. They prepared a letter and an envelope, aiming to request a copy of the GNU GPL. Unfortunately, the UK's Royal Mail discontinued international reply coupons in 2011, so the developer resorted to ordering US stamps on eBay. They faced a brief detour into the world of philately, learning terms like "very fine grade" and "Mint Never Hinged," before settling on a 'global' stamp. After a few weeks, the stamps arrived, and the developer sent their request in June 2022. Five weeks later, a reply arrived. The letter contained five sheets of double-sided paper, printed on US letter size, which is approximately 21.5cm x 27.9cm, different from the A4 size commonly used in the UK. The paper bore the full text of the GPL, but to the developer's surprise, it was the GPL v3 text, not v2. The original notice does not specify the version, which might have led to this misunderstanding. The developer considered following up but ultimately decided against it due to the effort involved and being content with receiving the GPL v3. The experience, while intriguing, was also exhausting for someone unaccustomed to using the postal system. Industry insiders generally view this incident as a testament to the enduring relevance of the FSF and the GPL, despite the challenges of maintaining practices from earlier eras. The lack of version specificity in the notice has been a known issue, highlighting the need for more detailed requests to avoid confusion. This story also underscores the importance of adapting licensing notices to modern communication methods, such as including URLs, to streamline the process and reduce ambiguity. The Free Software Foundation, founded by Richard Stallman, plays a crucial role in promoting software freedom and the principles of open-source development. Its efforts continue to shape the landscape of software licensing and contribute to the sustainability of open-source ecosystems.
