[RobbieGM]

If you then distribute that modified software, users don't have the freedom to modify it in turn since your source code would be unavailable.

[naikrovek]

exactly, I wrote it and I may not want to give that away.

GPL prevents me from keeping licensing rights over my own changes. the GPL forces me to give up copyright over my own code before it is even written.

"freedom" my white ass. that's a jail.

[jck]

The GPL doesn't force you to give anything away if you've just modified the code for personal use. You only need to provide source code if you're distributing your modified software.

You're free to avoid using GPL code if you disagree with the philosophy but it is undeniable that GPL greatly improves software (for users, not corporations) like linux and ffmepg.