Bug#587279: debian-policy: section 2.2.1 needs some tweaking
Russ Allbery <rra@debian.org> writes:
> Here is the complete text [of the current Policy §2.2.1]:
>
> The main archive area comprises the Debian distribution. Only the
> packages in this area are considered part of the distribution.
> None of the packages in the main archive area require software
> outside of that area to function. Anyone may use, share, modify
> and redistribute the packages in this archive area freely […]
I think the meaning is clear, and it matches Russ's interpretation.
Russ Allbery <rra@debian.org> writes:
> If it would result in less argument, I can support rephrasing the
> first paragraph to include the magic word "must" around "does not
> require software outside of main to function."
Regardless of whether such a patch is necessary, I present the following
for your consideration:
--- a/policy.sgml
+++ b/policy.sgml
@@ -475,15 +475,16 @@
<p>
The <em>main</em> archive area comprises the Debian
distribution. Only the packages in this area are considered
- part of the distribution. None of the packages in
- the <em>main</em> archive area require software outside of
- that area to function. Anyone may use, share, modify and
- redistribute the packages in this archive area
- freely<footnote>
+ part of the distribution.
+ </p>
+
+ <p>Every package in <em>main</em> must be free<footnote>
See <url id="http://www.debian.org/intro/free";
name="What Does Free Mean?"> for
more about what we mean by free software.
- </footnote>.
+ </footnote> for anyone to use, share, modify, and redistribute,
+ and must function without requiring works outside of
+ the <em>main</em> area.
</p>
<p>
I believe this does not change the meaning of that section. It separates
the wording into an informative statement of fact, followed by the
normative language.
--
\ “We now have access to so much information that we can find |
`\ support for any prejudice or opinion.” —David Suzuki, 2008-06-27 |
_o__) |
Ben Finney
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