Re: License texts with invariant sections
Herbert Xu writes:
> Here's an interesting thought. Suppose that we make such an exception
> explicit that license texts are allowed to contain invariant sections.
> Now what if I create a new license text and embed software documentation
> inside it with cover text saying that the license text must be
> distributed as a whole with no modifications?
We will look at the thing, say "That's not a license", and refuse it.
> Will you allow software that is distributed with this license to enter
> main? If not then can you come up with a rule that is not ad hoc to
> distinguish licenses such as these from the GPL?
Yes. Common sense. The DFSG is not a computer program that must blindly
churn through to a logical conclusion no matter how ludicrous. It is a set
of legalistic rules and, like a law, should be interpreted in the context
of the case at hand, relevant precedent, and the intent of it's authors.
It is not necessary to have rules that can be applied clearly and
unambiguously to every unforseen circumstance. This is fortunate, since it
is not possible.
--
John Hasler
john@dhh.gt.org (John Hasler)
Dancing Horse Hill
Elmwood, WI
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