Re: copyright files in other languages
Hi,
>>"Javier" == Javier Fdz-Sanguino Pen~a <jfs@ieeesb.etsit.upm.es> writes:
Javier> On Sat, Jan 16, 1999 at 10:03:38AM -0800, Guy Maor wrote:
>> There's currently a package in Incoming, sympa, with a copyright file
>> written in French. This raises a host of potential problems, and may
>> require some policy changes.
>>
>> Should an English translation be required? Currently a user need only
>> speak English to decide if a package is free enough for him.
Javier> I think it should be.
Umm, I am not sure I agere. So far, we have not discriminated
on the basis od language, and I suggest we do not start now. If the
Debian developer has vetted the package, and determined where it goes
in the scheme of things, most of us are happy to trust that.
Even were the copyright in English, I am sure I can come up
with something that would or would not meet the DFSG, but would need
someone trained in law to so determine. Should we start throwing
those packages out since they would require legal training for the
user to determine of they were free enough?
Given that if the copyright is in a language other than
english, the documentation/operation may require one to be conversant
in that language as well, the typical user is likel to be fluent in
the language in question, and even possibly be more so in that
language than in english itself.
Now, if the users ability to understand copyrights were a
determining factor in acceptance of a package, should we not throw
out packages with english copyrights if the user happens to be
german, and not know enough english legalese to determine if the
package is free?
;-)
manoj
--
If an average person on the subway turns to you, like an ancient
mariner, and starts telling you her tale, you turn away or nod and
hope she stops, not just because you fear she might be crazy. If she
tells her tale on camera, you might listen. Watching strangers on
television , even responding to them from a studio audience, we're
disengaged -- voyeurs collaborating with exhibitionists in rituals of
sham community. Never have so many known so much about people for
whom they cared so little. Wendy Kaminer commenting on testimonial
television in "I'm Dysfunctional, You're Dysfunctional".
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@acm.org> <http://www.golden-gryphon.com/>
Key C7261095 fingerprint = CB D9 F4 12 68 07 E4 05 CC 2D 27 12 1D F5 E8 6E
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