On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:41:35 +0200 Frank Küster wrote: > Francesco Poli <frx@firenze.linux.it> wrote: > > > "You are *not* allowed to modify this file." > > is not true, since I *am* allowed to modify this file, provided that I > > comply with some (DFSG-free) restrictions included in the license text. > > Not if you read the LPPL literally: You are allowed to create a new > generated file from a changed source, but you are not allowed to edit > the existing generated file and add the source file unchanged (or > distribute without source anyway). Mmmh, I am not overly familiar with the LPPL 1.3, unfortunately (I have not yet opened that can of worms...). First of all, I cannot find it in texlive packages. It really should be copied into debian/copyright files, as mandated by Debian Policy. Apart from this, I cannot fully understand your objection, anyway. Do you mean that the LPPL has a definition of source that does not allow changing its form? I mean, suppose I receive a GPL'd program written in COBOL: I may translate it into C++ (by hand or even in an automated way), then modify the C++ code in order to add new features and finally distribute the modified C++ code as the source for the modified program. The GNU GPL allows this, since it has a "flexible" definition of source. Is a similar scenario forbidden if I receive an LPPL'd program? > > Of course, if you apply the same patch, including versin information, to > both files and don't recreate the generated file, no one can prove that > you didn't abide by the wording of the license, and for sure you did > follow the spirit. What if my preferred form for making modifications to foilhtml.sty is *really* the .sty format, rather than its original source? I mean, what if I *honestly* prefer modifying the .sty file directly? > > > "You are *not* allowed to distribute this file." > > is not true, since I *am* allowed to distribute this file, provided > > that I comply with some (DFSG-free) restrictions included in the > > license text. > > That's right. It would be good to contact upstream and ask them to > phrase it correctly. Who will do it...? That's an interesting question. I have a poor knowledge of the LPPL, so I cannot volunteer until I clarify (at least) the above-mentioned points. Moreover, foilhtml.sty has the following copyright notice: %% Copyright Boris Veytsman 1997 That's not really recent. Have you got any means to get in touch with the copyright holder (that is to say, a currently active e-mail address)? -- http://frx.netsons.org/progs/scripts/refresh-pubring.html New! Version 0.6 available! What? See for yourself! ..................................................... Francesco Poli . GnuPG key fpr == C979 F34B 27CE 5CD8 DC12 31B5 78F4 279B DD6D FCF4
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