Re: Fwd: reiser4 non-free?
On Fri, 30 Apr 2004, Stewart Smith wrote:
> It doesn't "add", it clarifies. i.e. if you build a clustered file
> system that does stuff specific to reiserfs (e.g. use the reiser4
> syscall), then that will be considered a derived work, and must be
> distributable under the GPL.
The clarification really isn't important. What is important is whether
or not a work is a derivative work.
> Think of it in the same light as the clarification in the kernel's
> copy of the GPL saying that userspace programs aren't
> derived. except here it's the other way around.
It is quite acceptable to remove a subset of (possibly) derived works
from the set of derived works, because in that case you are granting
additional permisions. It is not acceptable to add an additional set
of works which are not derived works to the set of works that are
derived works.
As a final note, the GPL + additional restrictions is in itself,
incompatible with other GPLed works. It is only the GPL + additional
permisions (or the GPL itself) which is compatible with other GPLed
works.
Don Armstrong
--
A people living under the perpetual menace of war and invasion is very
easy to govern. It demands no social reforms. It does not haggle over
expenditures on armaments and military equipment. It pays without
discussion, it ruins itself, and that is an excellent thing for the
syndicates of financiers and manufacturers for whom patriotic terrors
are an abundant source of gain.
-- Anatole France
http://www.donarmstrong.com
http://rzlab.ucr.edu
Reply to: