As I explained on IRC [1], I don't think it's right to refuse to accept GPL code to the -extras repository, since the GPLv3 is compatible with the ASL. If we want to hold Habari core to a higher standard, that's one thing. Holding Extras to that higher standard doesn't make any sense and seriously limits its usefulness.
Take, for example, some of the plugins Skippy has written lately... They include GPL code and so aren't included in Extras. Just today, moeffju was on IRC wanting to fix the plugin for the new ACL changes and wasn't able to because only Skippy is able to maintain them. Likewise, michaeltwofish earlier mentioned wanting to port some themes to Habari, but not having the desire to commit to them as the sole maintainer. Disallowing GPLv3 from Extras causes these problems. On a less "legal" or "technical" note, I just find that it rubs me the wrong way to say "We allow ASL or ASL-compatible code... oh, except the GPL. We don't like the GPL and won't let you play in our sandbox with it." As I've been saying in the SuperGlobals thread: educate, don't eliminate. We should explain our reasons for loving the ASL and heavily encourage users to use only it, but not eliminate GPL entirely and prevent anyone from using the thousands of libraries licensed under it in their Extras plugins. That will only stifle creativity and de-centralize our centralized repository. And, per the GPL site, every NOTICE that ships with GPL software says it is licensed under version 2 or any higher version [2] and that v3 is ASL-compatible [3]. Just to clear that up. [1]: http://drunkenmonkey.org/irc/habari/2008-12-03#T23-31-28 [2]: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html#SEC4 [3]: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/rms-why-gplv3.html (very end) On Wed, Dec 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM, Michael Harris <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: > > 2008/12/4 Owen Winkler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > > > > I've written a page on the wiki detailing the policy for use of the > > extras repo. > > > > Please review and comment: > > http://wiki.habariproject.org/en/Extras_Repository > > The licensing section of this page is likely to be contentious, > especially this: "One example exception is GPL-licensed work. While > some authorities suggest that GPLv3 is compatible with ASL, in order > to remove any ambiguity over what is allowed no plugins or themes > should be committed to the extras repository that use any version of > the GPL license." > > I am in favour of disallowing GPL licensed works. I think we should > make it as clear and simple as possible for contributors to know what > can and can't be put in the -extras repo. We all know that licensing > is hard, and because it's hard most people try not to think about it. > Let's make it easy for people to not think about it, even if it means > some stuff can't be put in -extras. > > -- > Michael C. Harris, School of CS&IT, RMIT University > http://twofishcreative.com/michael/blog > IRC: michaeltwofish #habari > > > > -- Bertrand Russell - "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong." --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/habari-dev -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
