Re: Mangling other people's code
Hi
>>"Ian" == Ian Jackson <ian@chiark.greenend.org.uk> writes:
Ian> The second case was debiandoc-sgml, where the current maintainer or
Ian> one of their predecessors (I gave the package away) has completely
Ian> changed the layout of the code in the backends.
Pardon me, you gave away the package. The new owner/author can
do whatever they please with the source; since they ``own'' the
code. It may even be arrogant to assume that they slavishly retain
whatever style the previous author had, unless they so decide.
When I am the current author/ prime maintainer of a piece of
code (what we used to call owning the code), than it is mine to
format as I wish, and if you want to add to it, you had better conform
to the authrs wishes. No matter who you are.
Ian> Does the policy list think it would be a good idea to add a piece to
Ian> the policy manual asking maintainers who inherit a package and
Ian> uploaders of NMU's not to change the layout, structure or style of the
Ian> source code unless it is really necessary ?
I agree with the NMU bit. Any NMU should be a minimal
modification for the purpose of fixing bugs or updating the package
(or whatever the stated reason for the NMU is).
I would object to any restrictions of the rights of the
current owner of the code.
manoj
--
Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school
of genius.
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@acm.org> <http://www.datasync.com/%7Esrivasta/>
Key C7261095 fingerprint = CB D9 F4 12 68 07 E4 05 CC 2D 27 12 1D F5 E8 6E
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