Re: The end of GIF format [was : Dangerous precedent being set - possible serious violation of the GPL ]
>>>>> "Tomasz" == Tomasz Wegrzanowski <maniek@beer.com> writes:
Tomasz> SERIOUS SUGGESTION FOR WOODY : we should get rid of all
Tomasz> gif-making packages except 1 package a2gif in non-free,
Tomasz> which will allow you to convert other images to gifs if
Tomasz> you REALLY need it. In description of this package there
Tomasz> should be : `using GIFs is HIGHLY discouraged due to
Tomasz> patent problems. Consider chosing another format
Tomasz> (ex. jpeg or png)'
Just my opinion:
- AFAIK, the patent issues on GIF only apply to certain countries, and
does not apply to me ;-)
- certain features of GIF format (eg animations) cannot be use with
other formats, eg jpeg or png. Please correct me if I am wrong...
This proposal would make it harder to create animiate gifs, for
instance, using GIMP.
- current web browsers currently have problems displaying transparent
png files currently.
I admit though, that I dont have a description of a2gif convenient but
don't think it would invalidate any of what I have said.
Not that I feel very strongly on the above (I don't use GIF much
myself), but believe these to be valid concerns that other users will
have.
--
Brian May <bam@debian.org>
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