For Approval: Some License Or Another
Alvin Oga
alvin at Mail.Linux-Consulting.com
Tue Nov 30 04:16:03 UTC 2004
hi ya chuck
On Mon, 29 Nov 2004, Chuck Swiger wrote:
> > On Mon, 29 Nov 2004, Chuck Swiger wrote:
..
> Good description! I agree that some software authors, OS vendors, and
> redistributors look to this list and similar FSF/GNU lists for help creating
> an "open license" which "plays nice" with existing software.
>
> The devil is in the details. :-)
and the more detailed the better .. :-)
..
> I admit that I would prefer OSI license candidates to pass the "resume test"
> (namely, "OSD #11: it all needs to fit on one page or it's too long!" :-)
and yes, there should be a 1page summary of key points too
- CC licenses are good/simple/easy that way ... just a few lines
> IANAL; while I believe that people have to be able to understand a license
> before it could be truthfully asserted that such person has agreed to the
> terms of the license, that is up to the courts.
the big problem, is if one doesn't agree with 1 of the items in the
terms, do you return the widget or live with it or break the agreement ??
- most everybody breaks the terms ( violating the license terms )
> I am assured that cooks cover their mistakes with more ketchup, that doctors
> cover their mistakes with more blood, and that lawyers cover their mistakes
> with more words.
sw code is covered with "patches" :-)
- more bugs .. more patches, vs new releases w/ "feature
enhancements"
> Frankly, however, we in the software industry have had it easy for decades via
> the standard "no warranty/disclaimer in CAPS" compared with, say, the legal
> agreements, arguments, and contracts found in the entertainment industry.
and legal documents have:
- attorneys fees to be paid
- all unenforceable terms to be removed, but rest of the license
to stay intact and enforceable
- blah blah for more disclaimers too
> > "practicing law without a license"
>
> I believe that applies only to claiming to be a lawyer and providing legal
> advice to other people.
i don't think you need to "claim to be one", but just provide "advice" or
documents can be dangerous too if one is not careful
- and talking and learning from non-lawyers can be good too,
if it'd save the $500/hr legal bills before you go in to get
the "real license written"
have fun
alvin
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