[2005 sep 22]
If you're thinking about ripping off my open source Xpdf code,
building it into your own application, and then selling it, in total
disregard for the licensing requirements, please allow me to provide a
few modest suggestions...
- DON'T remove telltale signs that you've misappropriated my software (like my copyright notice, for example) - that would be far too much work.
- DO post advertisements for your new product on Usenet groups and/or mailing lists that I read.
- When posting, DO use an email address that makes it obvious you're the seller, while pretending to be simply a satisfied customer. This is a traditional technique which will warm the hearts of Usenet veterans everywhere.
- When called on it, DO switch to yet another gmail.com address and pretend to be a different person. No one will notice that your posting style is identical and that you picked up the thread right where you, er, that other person left off.
- DON'T answer my email explaining the GPL and asking what you're up to.
- When I have your ISP yank your web site, DO respond with a perjurous counter-notification claiming that you're not infringing. Heck, you never wanted to visit the USA anyhow.
- DO wait a few more days and then (finally) send me email, claiming that I have "brought you an evil influence". I can always use a laugh (and I'll be sure to forward it to my friends too).
- When I ask how my copyright notice ended up in your software, DO respond by simply removing the copyright notice (but continuing to use my code), and then asking if everything is ok now.
- DO follow that up by whining about how broke you are, and how making money off my software is the only option you have. The sympathy ploy is bound to work brilliantly now that you've wasted my time filing DMCA notices with your ISP, etc.