DSFG Explanation for non-free packages?
Idea: A file gets stuck in the /usr/doc/<package> of each non-free or
contrib packages explaining exactly why the particular license of that
package is in conflict with the DSFG.
I'm just going to toss out an example, to get the ball rolling. Some
standard verbiage could be hammered together later, by smarter people
than me.
/usr/doc/tin/dsfg-conflict:
DSFG Guideline 1: Free Redistribution
The license of a Debian component may not restrict any party
from selling or giving away the software as a component of an
aggregate software distribution containing programs from several
different sources. The license may not require a royalty or
other fee for such sale.
The license of this software prohibits 'profit made from its use, sale,
trade or reproduction.' This is in conflict with DSFG guideline #1
because it prohibits the sale of this software for profit.
DSFG Guideline #6: No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor
The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program
in a specific field of endeavor. For example, it may not restrict
the program from being used in a business, or from being used for
genetic research.
The license of this software prohibits 'profit made from its use, sale,
trade or reproduction.' This is in conflict with DSFG guideline #6
because it prohibits the use of this software for profit.
Because of these conflicts with the Debian Free Software Guidelines,
this package has been designated 'non-free' and is not part of the main
Debian distribution. For more information on the DSFG, see
/usr/doc/debian/social-contract.txt on any Debian system, or
http://www.debian.org/social_contract on the World Wide Web.
--- snip ---
I realize this message is pretty long, but I thought that this would be
a good idea, both to educate people about what DSFG-free means, and
about why some licenses are non-free. Also, these exlanatory files
would make it easier for people to realize if they might perhaps be in
violation of a license themselves. Just throwing it out for
discussion.
ted whalen
lowly debian developer of the wm2 package.
--
I'm gonna need some more ammonia.
Ted Whalen - tew@debian.org
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