On Tue, Aug 13, 2002 at 12:00:58AM +0200, Lars Hellström wrote: > OK, so the patch files can be distributed, but where is the mechanism which > causes TeX to use them? Well, the DFSG doesn't say there has to be one! > Patch files must be allowed to be distributed, but there is no condition > that requires any software to actually use them, or even to have the > ability to use them. On the other hand it would be mean to simply stop at > that observation, since the spirit of the condition is clearly that such > patching should be a simple operation. Moreover, Debian reserves the right to reject as DFSG-nonfree a license which attempts to exercise the patch clause of DFSG 4 in such a way that users can meaningfully modify the source code, and share their modifications, only in theory, and not in practice. Your argument is reminiscent of the pro-DMCA arguments of the MPAA and RIAA. "Well, of course there are no First Amendment problems with the DMCA; consumers retain their Fair Use rights in theory. If we make it practically impossible for them to exercise them, it's not our problem." -- G. Branden Robinson | Debian GNU/Linux | Extra territorium jus dicenti branden@debian.org | impune non paretur. http://people.debian.org/~branden/ |
Attachment:
pgprcKbP3ablU.pgp
Description: PGP signature