Bug#649530: [copyright-format] clearer definitions and more consistent License: stanza specification

[Jonathan Nieder <jrnieder@gmail.com>]

Ximin Luo wrote:

> OK, understood. I will take a look at creating a patch for copyright-format.xml
> like you did. However, I think I would prefer using an explicit grammar instead
> (e.g. the sort that programming language specifications use), because that
> leads to clearer thinking and less ambiguity.
>
> Which would you prefer?

That's up to Steve, since he's the editor of the document.

I am personally of two minds --- on one hand, I would like to see the
copyright-format released quickly, which means making only minimal
changes to the document.  On the other hand, an explicit grammar would
indeed make the details of the spec easier to understand.

I guess if I were in your shoes, I'd keep a grammar in mind and make
sure the text specifies it unambiguously but use plain text so as to
make the changes not too invasive.

Thanks much,
Jonathan