Re: MP3 decoder packaged with XMMS

[Daniel James <daniel@64studio.com>]

Hi Steve,

> That website refers to enforcement of patents on mp3 *encoders*,
> not on mp3 *de*coders.  Please do not conflate the two issues.

I'm afraid I must, as while the royalty rates may be different, the 
patent issues apply to both encoders and decoders.

> Debian will
> continue to consider them separately.

It's a completely artificial distinction. Of course the patent holders 
have a vested interest in seeing the decoders spread as widely as 
possible, legal or not, in order to further the hegemony of their 
proprietary format among users. I'm curious as to why Debian would 
want to support that effort. 
 
Cheers!

Daniel