[License-review] For Approval: Scripting Free Software License, Version 1.3.6 (S-FSL v1.3.6)

[Engel Nyst]

 From a previous conversation (on the Debian list), I thought you may 
change the requirement to send patches to a mere request. This is not 
the case in the new draft. I apologize for the mail traffic to people's 
inboxes, but I'd quickly note on this point. (again)

On 11/08/2013 07:29 PM, Elmar Stellnberger wrote:
> 4. You may only extend or modify this program given that you do also
> consent with the following terms. As far as you are not a public
> distributor you are obliged to send a copy of your patches to the
> original authors referred to herein as the authors of the first
> version of the program as being listed in the changelog or program
> header whenever you publish or exchange your patches with other
> people. If you have some work in progress you are obliged to send out
> bundled patches once at least every month.

This fails OSD #10 (and #3, #5). The recipient may not have internet 
connection to communicate with the original authors; they may have 
received the software from a friend or bought a CD.

Public or private distributor are not defined. I think the distinction 
runs afoul of no discrimination, as I believe it has been noted already. 
(#5)

"Patches" is not defined. Again noted previously, the license shouldn't 
try to restrict works written by others, without any specification or 
limitations. It probably fails #9.

The obligation is when I "extend or modify", and it is "a condition 
which must be held even if you agree not to actively 'send' or 'forward' 
your patches". I'm not sure what that means, perhaps that the software 
cannot be used for any purpose (OSD #6), on my private machine. Are you 
saying I can't fix it for myself and/or my neighbor, unless I have 
internet connection this month? That's unreasonable, and not an open 
source license.


As an aside. I fail to see how your use of copyright to restrict my 
ability to fix it for myself would lead to higher quality of the 
software overall. I might have tried to send it next month. But this 
license seems to want to make me an infringer if I have no internet 
connection or make a trip on a Debian desert island. The likely 
consequence is I would not contribute to software under such license at all.