Sender: villani AT server1 DOT iop DOT com
Message-ID: <34272209.167E@iop.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 21:57:29 -0400
From: Pat Villani <patv AT iop DOT com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: Mr M S Aitchison <physmsa AT cantua DOT canterbury DOT ac DOT nz>
CC: opendos AT delorie DOT com, tbird AT caldera DOT com
Subject: Re: GPL or not (was Re: For Sale or For Free: The Debate...)
References: <199709222331 DOT LAA07648 AT cantua DOT canterbury DOT ac DOT nz>
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Mr M S Aitchison wrote:

> Summary of points I'd want to see:
> 
>  (1) You can distribute the programs unmodified (that means the conditions
>      of distribution has to be there, unmodified),
>  (2) You can modify and distribute the software so long as the new version
>      is just as free as the original, including sources!
>  (3) You can make a commercial product out of it (possibly meaning some
>      secret changes to the sources) only by asking the author(s) to let
>      you do something outside the normal conditions.
 
Yes.  This list an excellent starting point.  In essence, it retains the
free nature of the software under the control of the original author.

A corporation such as Caldera or any individual may want to profit from
the release of the sources and/or binaries.  It is their right to do
so.  They may also want to make certain that no one else can profit from
the release of the sources and/or binaries.  So, "distribute" should be
modified to "distribute free of charge."  There is also an issue with
product liability, so that there must be a disclaimer of all warranties.

Also, unlike BSD, acknowledging the source of the files is a must so
that all roads lead back to Caldera or anyone who owns the affected
files.  Other issues of concern may be: allowing portions of code to be
used in other products under the same terms, allowing for redistribution
for media charges, clearly marked changes to indemnify the author when
someone else makes a change that breaks the code.  

I borrowed from from BSD and GPL and placed a suggested version of the
license at http://www.iop.com/~patv so that I don't waste bandwidth. 
I'd like to offer this proposed license for our discussions.

Pat


-- 
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Pat Villani                    | Email:            patv AT iop DOT com     |
|                                | Amateur call:     WB2GBF           |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+ 
| I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, doctor, and I'm happy to   |
| state I finally won out over it. -- Elwood P. Dowd                  |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+