Stuart wrote:
> -----Original Message----- snip ... > ... snip > FlightGear Flight Pro Sim Statement (v1.2): > > As many people will be aware, there is a new flight simulator product that > is being heavily > marketed at the moment - Flight Pro Sim. As it is almost entirely based on > FlightGear, there is > some confusion between the two. To help provide some clarity, and answer > some > common questions, we (the core FlightGear development team) felt it was > appropriate to make a statement, and provide a FAQ. > > FlightGear is a open-source flight simulator that was started in 1996. It > is released under > the GNU General Public License v2, and as such, it is free to use, modify > and develop with few restrictions. It has been > developed with the collaboration of a large number of individuals over the > last 12 years. FlightGear can > be downloaded at not cost from http://www.flightgear.org. > > Flight Pro Sim is a commercial product very heavily based on FlightGear. > Investigation by a number of the FlightGear developers has found no > difference between this and the > FlightGear v1.9.1 release other than a change of name. Flight Pro Sim > is in no way endorsed or supported by the core FlightGear development > team. > > Given the similarities between Flight Pro Sim and FlightGear, we would > recommend that prospective buyers download > FlightGear for free and satisfy themselves that Flight Pro Sim provides > worthwhile value for money before purchasing it. > > FAQ: > > Q: What is the difference between FlightGear and Flight Pro Sim? > A: As far as we have been able to make out, the only difference between > FlightGear v1.9.1 and Flight Pro Sim is a change in > name throughout the software, and the fact that you have to pay for it. > > Q: Is it legal for the makers of Flight Pro Sim to simply re-brand > FlightGear ? > A: Yes. Under the GNU GPL v2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html), > this is legal, provided that they distribute the > source code (or make it available). Our developers and users have not > conclusively determined > whether or not the offer > from FlightSimPro is indeed in compliance with > these terms > > Q: Is is legal to sell a copy of FlightGear, whether re-branded or not ? > A: Yes, provided the seller respects a number of restrictions detailed in > the GPL. Generally, > the purchaser is paying for the distribution of the software, and it > reasonable to charge a fee for this. In > fact, those interested in receiving a DVD containing FlightGear may do so > through > the main FlightGear website, and directly contribute to the project > (though they may > want to wait for the upcoming release in the new year). > > Q: Has Flight Pro Sim paid any money to FlightGear for the rights to the > program ? > A: No. No such payment is required, as FlightGear is GPL software. > > Q: Why do the FlightGear developers allow this ? > A: The freedom to modify and enhance FlightGear is a core part of the > project, and of open-source > in general. Restricting the modifications that are allowed and what people > can do with the software > goes against that ethos. > > Q: Is there any relationship between the makers of Flight Pro Sim and > FlightGear? > A: Not that we are aware of. As far as we are aware, the makers of Flight > Pro Sim are not FlightGear developers. > > Q: Has Flight Pro Sim contributed to the FlightGear project at all ? > A: There is no evidence that the makers of Flight Pro Sim have contributed > to the FlightGear project, either through code or money. They did offer > to provide money ($250) for a monthly competition, but this offer has > not been taken up. > > Q: I have purchased Flight Pro Sim. Can I get a refund ? > A: That is something you will have to take up with the makers of Flight > Pro Sim. We understand they offer a 60 day money-back guarantee. > Typo? ... at not cost from ... Awkward tautology? ... we are aware of. As far as we are aware ... Vivian ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This SF.Net email is sponsored by the Verizon Developer Community Take advantage of Verizon's best-in-class app development support A streamlined, 14 day to market process makes app distribution fast and easy Join now and get one step closer to millions of Verizon customers http://p.sf.net/sfu/verizon-dev2dev _______________________________________________ Flightgear-devel mailing list Flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/flightgear-devel
