Re: [ProgSoc] CGI prog

[daedalus <jpw001@nospam.its.maynick.com.au>]

On Sat, 20 Mar 1999, Lucian Daniel Kafka wrote:

> At 09:46 AM 3/16/99 +1100, you wrote:
> >> Is there any way to write a CGI program (pref. in PERL), for multi-platform
> >> distribution, without giving away the source code?
> >
> >Erm - java comes to mind if u want to hide the source (But why would you
> >want to hide the source anyway?). This is assuming other people on your
> >server have access to the cgi-bin. Otherwise there shouldn't be a
> >problem.
> 
> I want to SELL a piece of PERL software, without letting other people
> easily rip me off.

I happen to believe that simply obscuring the source code is no way to 
protect you from people "ripping you off". Ever pirated a piece of 
software? Ever just copied one to check it out? Unless you have a _very_ 
elaborate method of copy-protection, people are going to be able to copy 
your code without your knowledge/permission. A quick web search turns up 
a plethora of sites devoted to license keys for various proprietary 
software packages. If someone _really_ wants to get a copy of something 
without paying for it, they can. It's all highly illegal, of course.. but 
you have to catch them first. Honorable people will pay for your software 
anyway, if it's any good.

Which leads me to wonder, what wonderful CGI are you going to code in 
perl that someone else hasn't already done? It'd have to be pretty damn 
impressive, whatever it is, for someone to choose to pay for your 
software vs. the vast array of CGI software that you can get for free, or 
nearly free. And if it is, then who cares if they can see the perl 
source? If it is a truly impressive piece of code, then you license it as 
being yours (duh) and place restrictions on redevelopment/redistribution. 
But you were going to do that anyway, right? :)

I understand what you're thinking.. I've been there before, but I came to 
the conclusion that the hassles of trying to stop the few people who are 
going to pirate something I write no matter what I do just simply aren't 
worth it. Devote yourself to really good code that does something useful 
and people will happily pay for it, because it does something they want 
done. Assuming they can't get it cheaper elsewhere.

Ok, sure. Someone might get a copy of your code off someone who bought it 
(source or binary). They can't ask you for support, or patches, or 
upgrades (you were going to provide some sort of after-sales support to 
these paying customers, right?) or anything else, because they have a 
pirated copy. And if you _do_ catch someone with an unlicensed copy, you 
can take them to court, same as anyone else.

Of course, make sure that what you've done is either a really good 
implementation of something, or something truly novel, otherwise you're 
just wasting your time trying to break into an already overcrowded 
software market.

Just my 2c. :)

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