I periodically say things with a positive connotation then flip to saying it with a negative connotation in the same paragraph. More often than not, it is intended to illustrate how we say things is intended to shut down conversation.
Claiming that the GPL infects software is very much one of those cases. Worse yet, it is an inaccurate statement since the GPL does not infect software. The most you can say is that some people choose not to modify, extend, or link to GPL software since they do not want the apply the terms of the GPL to their own work. That is a legitimate concern. Implying that the use of GPL software along side proprietary software somehow infects the proprietary software is intended to set up a negative connotation that has no basis in reality.
Claiming that the GPL infects software is very much one of those cases. Worse yet, it is an inaccurate statement since the GPL does not infect software. The most you can say is that some people choose not to modify, extend, or link to GPL software since they do not want the apply the terms of the GPL to their own work. That is a legitimate concern. Implying that the use of GPL software along side proprietary software somehow infects the proprietary software is intended to set up a negative connotation that has no basis in reality.