En:Why does the GPL allow users to publish their modified versions?

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Question: Why does the GPL allow users to publish their modified versions?

Answer:

An important aspect of free software is the freedom of it's users to work together. Allowing users that want to help each other to exchange their solutions and bugfixes is an essential factor.

Different sources now call for an alternative license (instead of the GPL) that requires all changes to be reviewed by the original author. As long as this author is very active and listens to the wishes of those users, this might work. If, on the other hand, the author stops supporting his program due to time issues or ignores some of the sent-in patches and feature enhancements (maybe because he deems those unneeded), this method fails. Disregarding the technical and administrative problems, this method still does not allow users to properly help each other.

Sometimes, this method of code control gets suggested as a means to protect users from messing up different versions of a program. Experience shows that this is not really an issue. Take "Emacs" as an example - a lot of different versions of this program have been built, but the users can still hold them apart - mostly because the GPL requires the creator of a modification to add his or her name to the project to distinguish his/her project from other modifications and to protect the reputation of other coders.

Annotation

The development of free software usually thrives on feedback of it's users. Therefore, developers are (almost) always happy to hear about your modifications, changes and enhancements.