[Date Prev][Date Next] [Thread Prev][Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

GFDL and Anonymity --- another problem?



Several parts of the GFDL (e.g., 4b, 4i) seem to prohibit anonymous modifications to a document. Quoting 4b:

	List on the Title Page, as authors, one or more persons or entities
	responsible for authorship of the modifications in the Modified
	Version, ....

If this requires an actual name, it seems this might fail the Chinese[1] Dissident Test.

Compare this to GPL 2a:

	You must cause the modified files to carry prominent notices
	stating that you changed the files and the date of any change.

I think "you" can reasonably be interpreted to include pseudonyms, thus preserving anonymity, or even not putting any name at all.







[1] If Ashcroft gets his way with even more "Patriot"-Acts, then I think
    we'll have to rename this test.



Reply to: