On Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:00:41 +0200 Thorsten Leemhuis <fedora@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > CCing Fedora-Advisory Board > > On 22.09.2007 03:01, Dag Wieers wrote: > > [...] I also have no problem if the RPMforge SPEC files are to be > > used by other projects, and I know some people have done this. I do > > not feel that the SPEC files contain anything 'special'. In fact, I > > would not be surprised if people can come up with (almost) exactly > > the same SPEC file for a project. So I don't feel the need to add a > > license or copyright, you can think of the SPEC file as being in the > > public domain. > > > > In fact, I prefer that people use existing SPEC files and improve on > > them so that at least different packages have the same basis (and > > naming). I welcome feedback and ideas, but can understand to need for > > control and authority within a seperate project. > > +1 to this and I also have no problem if my spec files are used by other > projects. I also would prefer if they are used that way and that > improvements flow from one project to the other and vice versa. Using > the pkgdb and the cvs-commits list it's easy for outsiders to already > follow them -- I you want watchcommits access to some of my packages > just let me know. > > I cannot speak for other peoples spec files and I suspect some packagers > won't agree with the "SPEC files are public domain" statement -- making > the license of the spec files explicit (a Wiki page that says "All our > Fedora RPM SPEC files are free software and public domain if not > otherwise specified in the spec file" might be enough already) in > Fedora-land (EPEL, Fedora) would be best for all, as external projects > (RPMForge, RPMFusion, Linva, freshrpms, <insert others>) than would be > on the safe side if they use them. > > @FESCo,@Board, you have the power to do that -- are you willing to do > something like that? Currently it's a bit a grey area IMHO and that > sucks. tia! I don't think you really want them to be considered public domain. You actually have to expressly say "This spec file is public domain" before that becomes true, otherwise it still holds a copyright by default. That's a lot of spec files to edit for no real gain. Personally, I consider spec files to be contributions to Fedora per the CLA. And since the Distribution as a whole is licensed under the GPLv2, the spec files are likely licensed under that too. (I AM NOT A LAWYER AND TAKING LEGAL ADVICE FROM ME WOULD BE VERY STUPID) Overall, I think it's just fine for the spec files to be used in other projects. The Board would ultimately have the call here. It's above FESCo. josh _______________________________________________ fedora-advisory-board mailing list fedora-advisory-board@xxxxxxxxxx http://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/fedora-advisory-board
