Re: Distribution of media content together with GPLv2 code in one package?
2010/4/5 Francesco Poli <frx@firenze.linux.it>:
> On Sun, 4 Apr 2010 23:52:45 -0700 Steve Langasek wrote:
>
>> On Sun, Apr 04, 2010 at 08:11:26PM -0700, Walter Landry wrote:
>> > Steve Langasek <vorlon@debian.org> wrote:
>> > > On Mon, Apr 05, 2010 at 12:22:53AM +0200, Francesco Poli wrote:
>> > >> However, it is my opinion that works with unavailable source do not
>> > >> comply with DFSG#2, regardless of the license.
>>
>> > > Your opinion is not relevant. The text of the DFSG is what's relevant, and
>> > > the text says that *programs* must include source code, not arbitrary
>> > > non-program works distributed in Debian.
>>
>> > That was voted on 2004 and Debian decided that you are incorrect. It
>> > is time to move on.
>>
>> No, it did not. Debian decided that all works must comply with the DFSG.
>> DFSG #2 does not apply to non-program works.
>
> Steve, please clarify your interpretation of the DFSG.
> It sounds very awkward to me.
Even though it might sounded ackward when I first read this, Steve can
have a point here. If I am understanding correctly, he's referring to
the difference of meaning between the terms "software" and "program".
DFSG applies to everything Software, but DFSG#2 explicitly applies
only to computer programs. I'm using the definitions in the Wikipedia
as an example for clarifying the point, not that they should be
mandatory in any way:
Software [1]: Digitally stored data such as computer programs and
other kinds of information read and written by computers.
Program [2]: Sequence of instructions written to perform a specified
task for a computer.
DFSG#2 says that: "The program must include source code, and must
allow distribution in source code as well as compiled form".
I'm not really sure if I really agree with the implications of Steve's
interpretation of DFSG#2, but I have to admit that it might make
sense, and that the answer is not obvious for me.
Greetings,
Miry
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_software
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_program
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