> Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 16:42:34 -0700 (PDT) > From: Mark Rafn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > No, it's true of C as well. We wouldn't accept a Perl, for instance, that > forbade incompatible changes to the API, even if it allowed addition of > keywords. It really is the case that we want to preserve the right to > make machine-indistinguishable subtly-incompatible changes. We recommend > against it, but if someone can't do it, it's not free. > Another thought in this thread. I already mention the biggest difference between the Perl programs and our documents. You can afford throw out a Perl program in a decade; our documents are supposed to be stored forever. If you insist on the freedom of introduction of "machine-indistinguishable subtly-incompatible changes", you are losing not just TeX or LaTeX. You are losing any sensible document storage and interchange format. This discussion is not caused by some special obstinacy of LaTeX community or our peculiar distaste for freedom. This discussion is caused by certain needs of our community. If these needs are incompatible with your understanding of freedom, we are forced to remain non-free in your eyes. Sorry, but nothing can be done by our goodwill or effort. -- Good luck -Boris "Nuclear war can ruin your whole compile." -- Karl Lehenbauer -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]