Bill Nottingham wrote:
Hans de Goede (j.w.r.degoede@xxxxxx) said:
I see no problem here, there is however a restriction on commercial Use,
but there are no restrictions on redistribution. which is all that is
required for binary blobs (firmware, or am I missing something?).
Non-commercial-use-only is *not* ok for Extras.
Note we're talking about content (gamedata) not code here, the packaging
guideline specifically state:
"Shareware applications are not Open Source code, and are not acceptable
for Fedora.
However, it is worth noting that some non-executable content exists that
is required to make Open Source applications functional. An example of
this would be open sourced game engines, such as Doom, Heretic, and
Descent. These game engines come with freely distributable shareware
gamedata files.
In this case, the gamedata files can be packaged and included in Fedora
Extras, as long as the files meet the requirements for binary firmware."
Thus appearantly shareware data-files are ok content, due to the nature
of shareware (this is a limited version pay us for the full version) the
datafiles are almost by definition not for commercial use. (The rights
for commercial use is clearly reservered by the copyright, through the
full version and possible other versions).
Thus the gamedata files may be packaged if they meet the firmware
guidelines which are:
"Requirements:
- The files are non-executable (note: this means that the files cannot
run on their own, not that they are just chmod -x)
- The files are not libraries.
- The files are standalone, not embedded in executable or library code.
- Explicit permission is given by the owner to freely distribute without
restrictions (this permission must be included, in "writing", with the
files in the packaging)
- The files must be necessary for the functionality of open source code
being included in Fedora."
Now sharware data files clearly meet all of the above listed
Requirements for firmware without question except for:
"Explicit permission is given by the owner to freely distribute without
restrictions (this permission must be included, in "writing", with the
files in the packaging)"
Thus that is imho what should be discussed, does the quake shareware
license I presented allow free distributing without restriction?
Now quoting the relevant part from the license again:
"Permitted Distribution. So long as this Agreement accompanies the
Software at all times, ID grants to Providers the limited right to
distribute, free of charge, except normal access fees, and by electronic
means only, the Software; provided, however, the Software must be so
electronically distributed only in a compressed format."
So does this allow free distributing? AFAIK Yes it does (IANAL)
Is this without restrictions? Well clearly no, the following
restrictions are made:
-distribution must be free of charge, except normal access fees
-by electronic means only
-distributed only in a compressed format
So we do not meet that part of the packaging guidelines for firmware.
But I would like to argue that this restrictions are not relevant for FE
use, thus effective it is without restrictions.
Regards,
Hans
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