Re: Bug#354216: upstream license patched in debian package

[Eduard Bloch <edi@gmx.de>]

#include <hallo.h>
* Kel Modderman [Fri, Feb 24 2006, 11:05:37PM]:
> Package: sl-modem-source
> Version: 2.9.9d+e-pre2-2
> |Severity: grave
> 
> +sl-modem (2.9.9d+e-pre2-1) unstable; urgency=low
> +
> +  * New upstream pre-release (closes: #327588)
> +  * added sv.po from Daniel Nylander (closes: #330436)
> +  * slmodemd.1 manpage from Erik Schanze (closes: #335369)
> +  * defining URB_ASYNC_UNLINK if not set, needed by recent kernels
> +  * applied patch for class/simple_class transition from Gentoo lists with
> +    some fixes (closes: #325799)
> +  * changed the MODULE_LICENSE string to "Dual BSD/GPL" since the license
> +    is actually a BSD license clone (closes: #327545)
...
> How can you justify this change?

I though I have written that above.

> I believe it is offensive to the linux kernel developers to circumvent 
> the license exportation of the smartlink module in this manner.

I believe something different. I believe it is quite offensive to the
Linux users when some kernel developers deliberately replace interfaces
with incompatible ones with strace access limitation. Looks similar to
tactics known from patenting interfaces and file formats.

> drivers/amrlibs.o and modem/dsplibs.o are binary blobs. drivers/st7554.c 
> (ST7554 USB Smart Link Soft Modem driver) depends on these binary blobs.

First: only on one of them, amrlibs.o. The other file just have been
forgoten in the driver source and will be removed, thanks for noticing.

Second: Yes, this is a non-GPLed driver which is to be loaded with the
Linux kernel. And?

> In recent linux kernel code, some advanced functions require a GPL 
> compatible license, drivers/base/class.c:-
> 
> |****EXPORT_SYMBOL_GPL(class_create_file);
> EXPORT_SYMBOL_GPL(class_remove_file);
...
> The above mentioned modification of the Smartlink license circumvents 
> this requirement.

I know, no need to teach me. But what are you trying to say? Or are you
just one of the anti-NON-GPL-drivers crusaders, trying to begin a new
battle?

Eduard.

-- 
Citizen G'Kar: I told you I could help. The book of G'Quan. Read it.  We'll
talk afterwards.
Michael Garibaldi: I don't read Narn.
Citizen G'Kar: Learn!
                                                 -- Quotes from Babylon 5 --