Brad Thompson wrote:
>For a less tongue-in-cheek example we could look at Linux. Linux is popular
>because it is powerful and relatively easy to use. A large part of this is
>the fact that it is distributed in binary packages. How popular do you
>think it would be if you had to compile the source code first? Most people
>wouldn't have heard of it.
>
IIRC, Linux was distrubed as source code for many years... which is
beside the point, as most people I know (even the Linux geeks) couldn't
get from source code to OS without a binary.
>In short, it is no solution at all.
>
Not really . The GPL expressly grants the power to distribute binary
sans source code (you can get by with an "offer to give code.")
A real solution is "you must include the source code whenever you give
away the binary in a readable format." Probably as a text file.
>Given your adamant position on this issue, I can only conclude that this is
>the way Hasbro/Wizards wants it. It's a shame they can't just come out and
>say so. At least then it wouldn't get people's hopes up.
>
Shall we try a direct question? I've got two.
#1: Ryan, can we take your position as WotC's position--to the extent
that if we get sued by WotC for following your position, we can point to
you telling us to do it to dismiss the suit? (That ol' "permission
defense.")
#2: Regardless of the question to the above... given your stated
position as , is it EVER possible to distribute a program, with or
without the source code? Possible examples:
* A hyperlinked "choose your own path" advenuture, where the
"program" is simply a group of HTML documents (and thus,anyone can just
hit "view code" and see how it all works.)
* A compiled binary, distributed over the web with the source code
avaliabe for download off of the same web page.
* A compiled binary, distrubed as a CD with the source code on the CD.
* A compiled binary + installer, with the source code included and
installed locally.
* Source code sold on a CD, with the necessary binary avaliable only
on a downloaded-basis for those who buy the CD.
* A complete program with a special function to "view OGL" that
leads to a complex menu that contains all of the OGL, from plain text to
real code, that is used--and includes a list of which compiled DLLs (or
eqivalent) are OGC.
Bonus Question: I don't think this has been answered before, but is an
Appendix of all the OGC in a work, and no other designation of the OGC
wherever else it shows in the work, a suitable "clear identification" of
OGC for the OGL?
DM
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