Re: [Vectorlinux-devel] GPL Issues surrounding Mepis and the can of worms he opened.

[John B <joh...@gm...>]

When we start populating the FTP repository for the next version of
VL, there will be a source directory in the tree, similar to what
Slackware has been doing. It's our stated intention to include source
code tarballs, buildscripts, slack-desc files, doinst.sh files and any
patch files that were used to build each package. Such a source
directory will give us one way to comply with GPL section 3A for any
GPL or LGPL products included in the distro. After all, our FTP
repository and its mirrors constitute "a medium customarily used for
software interchange," to borrow from GPL section 3A.

As a result of this, all packagers will be required to upload source
code, buildscripts, slack-desc, doinst.sh and patch files with each
package. Packages that don't include those files will not be included
in the repository.

FWIW (about $0.02 US or CAD, take your pick),
John

On 6/29/06, Sriram Durbha <sri...@gm...> wrote:
>
> My Take on this?
>   we wont be in violation of GPL as long as we provide a means to the buyer to acquire the source to those components of VL which are GPL.
> We go one step ahead an provide the source to our tools like VASM also.  So i dont see any reason to worry.
> From our end all we need to do to be safe is declare that we will try and provide a way for those who purchase our distro, a way to get the souorce of any GPL'd software that they bought through us.
>
> Thrid Party programs do not affect this situation. Acrobat is not GPL'd so we can distribute it as long as Adobe is happy with that situation. similarly Nvidia.
>
> Tigger, dont despair or get overly concerned.  You personally can never get into any trouble because you develop something.  It is the distributor who is in the line of fire.  ofcourse you could be pedantic and say that you "distributed" it to us, but we did not buy it from you and wont sue you. [ we == other devs ].  You are a great developer.  Dont let stuff like this get in the way.
>
> So in conclusion, This does not affect the development effort. We can continue to progress with VL6 Base.  If htere are any issues with GPL, most can be resolved with very little effort.  And even those cropup only on the distribution side of things.
>
> cheers
> ram
>