[License-review] PSCL Python Statistics Calculator Review

Pamela Chestek pamela.chestek at opensource.org
Wed Jan 22 18:36:13 UTC 2025 

Dear License Review List:

At its Board meeting on January 17, 2025, the Board voted on the 
recommendation of the License Review Committee and declined to accept 
the Python Statistics Calculator License as an OSI-Approved License.

Pamela S. Chestek
Chair, Licensing Committee
Open Source Initiative


On 1/15/2025 8:48 AM, Pamela Chestek wrote:
> Dear License Review List:
>
> Below is the recommendation of the License Review Committee that the 
> PSCL Python Statistics Calculator License not be approved as an 
> OSI-Approved license, to be voted on at the next Board meeting.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Pamela S. Chestek
> Chair, Licensing Committee
> Open Source Initiative
>
> ================
>
> License: Python Statistics Calculator License (Exhibit A)
> Submitted: October 31, 2024, 
> https://lists.opensource.org/pipermail/license-review_lists.opensource.org/2024-October/005579.html
> Decision date: due no later than the first Board meeting after 
> December 31, 2024
>
> _License Review Committee Recommendation: _
>
> Resolved that it is the opinion of the OSI that the Python Statistics 
> Calculator License does not conform to the OSD and assure software 
> freedom and the license is therefore not approved.
>
> _Rationale Document_
>
> Reasons for withholding approval: The license expressly violates OSD5 
> (No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups) by stating that the 
> software can only be modified by experienced developers and OSD6 (No 
> Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor) by discriminating against 
> those who might want to use the software for purposes of education.
>
> /Exhibit A/
>
> ### **Python Statistics Calculator License (PSCL) Documentation**
>
> #### **Overview**
> The Python Statistics Calculator License (PSCL) outlines the terms and 
> conditions for using, copying, distributing, and creating derivative 
> works from the Python Statistics Calculator software. This license 
> aims to balance flexibility with control, ensuring the integrity of 
> the software while promoting contributions from experienced and 
> intermediate developers.
>
> #### **License Terms**
>
> 1. **Permission**
>    Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person 
> obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files 
> (the "Software"), to copy, distribute, and create derivative works 
> from the Software for commercial purposes, subject to the following 
> conditions:
>
> 2. **Attribution**
>    You must give appropriate credit to the author by providing a link 
> to the original work. This helps recognize the contributions of the 
> original authors and maintain the credibility of the software.
>
> 3. **Modification by Experienced and Intermediate Developers Only**
>    Only individuals or entities with proven expertise in software 
> development or those meeting the criteria for intermediate developers 
> are permitted to modify the original work.
>
>    - **Experienced Developers**: Individuals or entities with proven 
> expertise in software development, having made at least one meaningful 
> contribution or program, and proficient in creating powerful programs.
>    - **Intermediate Developers**: Individuals or entities that have 
> created 3-7 programs ideal for practicing the basics of coding, can 
> add decent styling better than the average webpage, and capable of 
> making slight improvements, tweaks, or enhancements.
>
>    **Criterion for Speedy Protection (CFSP)**: If the project/hard 
> work is likely to have unconstructive modifications, it will be 
> protected by this license to maintain the integrity of the source code 
> within 2-6 hours.
>
>    Any derivative works must be based on the original but not alter it 
> directly except by those qualified.
>
> 4. **Distribution**
>    If you distribute the Software, you must distribute it under the 
> same terms as this license. This ensures that all copies of the 
> Software, whether distributed in their original form or as derivative 
> works, are bound by the same conditions, maintaining consistency and 
> fairness.
>
> 5. **Disclaimer**
>    The Software is provided "as is," without warranty of any kind, 
> express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of 
> merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non 
> infringement. In no event shall the authors or copyright holders be 
> liable for any claim, damages, or other liability, whether in an 
> action of contract, tort, or otherwise, arising from, out of, or in 
> connection with the Software or the use or other dealings in the Software.
>
> #### **Purpose**
> The purpose of this license is to:
> - Ensure that the Python Statistics Calculator software remains 
> user-friendly and reliable.
> - Allow experienced and intermediate developers to contribute 
> meaningful improvements and bug fixes, enhancing the Software's 
> functionality and performance.
> - Promote open-source collaboration by providing a clear and fair 
> framework for using, copying, and distributing the Software.
>
> #### **Definitions**
>
> **Experienced Developer**: An individual or entity with proven 
> expertise in software development. The criteria for qualifying as an 
> experienced developer are:
> - Proven expertise in software development.
> - At least one meaningful contribution or program.
> - Proficiency in creating powerful programs.
>
> **Intermediate Developer**: An individual or entity that has created 
> 3-7 programs ideal for practicing the basics of coding, can add decent 
> styling better than the average webpage, and capable of making slight 
> improvements, tweaks, or enhancements.
>
> **Criterion for Speedy Protection (CFSP)**: If the project/hard work 
> is likely to have unconstructive modifications, it will be protected 
> by this license to maintain the integrity of the source code within 
> 2-6 hours.
>
> #### **Additional Information**
> For more detailed information on how to qualify as an experienced or 
> intermediate developer, examples of proper attribution, and guidelines 
> for distributing the Software, please refer to the accompanying 
> documentation file or visit our project website.
>
>
>
> On 10/31/2024 3:07 AM, Recovery Account via License-review wrote:
>> Dear OSI License Review Committee,
>>
>> I am submitting the Python Statistics Calculator License (PSCL) for 
>> your review and approval. The PSCL is designed to balance open-source 
>> collaboration with quality control by restricting modifications to 
>> experienced and intermediate developers, and it features a unique 
>> Criterion for Speedy Protection (CFSP) mechanism to safeguard against 
>> unconstructive modifications.
>>
>> Attached is a detailed proposal outlining the purpose, comparisons 
>> with existing licenses, and the full text of the PSCL.
>>
>> ### **Python Statistics Calculator License (PSCL) Documentation**
>>
>> #### **Overview**
>> The Python Statistics Calculator License (PSCL) outlines the terms 
>> and conditions for using, copying, distributing, and creating 
>> derivative works from the Python Statistics Calculator software. This 
>> license aims to balance flexibility with control, ensuring the 
>> integrity of the software while promoting contributions from 
>> experienced and intermediate developers.
>>
>> #### **License Terms**
>>
>> 1. **Permission**
>>    Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person 
>> obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files 
>> (the "Software"), to copy, distribute, and create derivative works 
>> from the Software for commercial purposes, subject to the following 
>> conditions:
>>
>> 2. **Attribution**
>>    You must give appropriate credit to the author by providing a link 
>> to the original work. This helps recognize the contributions of the 
>> original authors and maintain the credibility of the software.
>>
>> 3. **Modification by Experienced and Intermediate Developers Only**
>>    Only individuals or entities with proven expertise in software 
>> development or those meeting the criteria for intermediate developers 
>> are permitted to modify the original work.
>>
>>    - **Experienced Developers**: Individuals or entities with proven 
>> expertise in software development, having made at least one 
>> meaningful contribution or program, and proficient in creating 
>> powerful programs.
>>    - **Intermediate Developers**: Individuals or entities that have 
>> created 3-7 programs ideal for practicing the basics of coding, can 
>> add decent styling better than the average webpage, and capable of 
>> making slight improvements, tweaks, or enhancements.
>>
>>    **Criterion for Speedy Protection (CFSP)**: If the project/hard 
>> work is likely to have unconstructive modifications, it will be 
>> protected by this license to maintain the integrity of the source 
>> code within 2-6 hours.
>>
>>    Any derivative works must be based on the original but not alter 
>> it directly except by those qualified.
>>
>> 4. **Distribution**
>>    If you distribute the Software, you must distribute it under the 
>> same terms as this license. This ensures that all copies of the 
>> Software, whether distributed in their original form or as derivative 
>> works, are bound by the same conditions, maintaining consistency and 
>> fairness.
>>
>> 5. **Disclaimer**
>>    The Software is provided "as is," without warranty of any kind, 
>> express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of 
>> merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non 
>> infringement. In no event shall the authors or copyright holders be 
>> liable for any claim, damages, or other liability, whether in an 
>> action of contract, tort, or otherwise, arising from, out of, or in 
>> connection with the Software or the use or other dealings in the 
>> Software.
>>
>> #### **Purpose**
>> The purpose of this license is to:
>> - Ensure that the Python Statistics Calculator software remains 
>> user-friendly and reliable.
>> - Allow experienced and intermediate developers to contribute 
>> meaningful improvements and bug fixes, enhancing the Software's 
>> functionality and performance.
>> - Promote open-source collaboration by providing a clear and fair 
>> framework for using, copying, and distributing the Software.
>>
>> #### **Definitions**
>>
>> **Experienced Developer**: An individual or entity with proven 
>> expertise in software development. The criteria for qualifying as an 
>> experienced developer are:
>> - Proven expertise in software development.
>> - At least one meaningful contribution or program.
>> - Proficiency in creating powerful programs.
>>
>> **Intermediate Developer**: An individual or entity that has created 
>> 3-7 programs ideal for practicing the basics of coding, can add 
>> decent styling better than the average webpage, and capable of making 
>> slight improvements, tweaks, or enhancements.
>>
>> **Criterion for Speedy Protection (CFSP)**: If the project/hard work 
>> is likely to have unconstructive modifications, it will be protected 
>> by this license to maintain the integrity of the source code within 
>> 2-6 hours.
>>
>> #### **Additional Information**
>> For more detailed information on how to qualify as an experienced or 
>> intermediate developer, examples of proper attribution, and 
>> guidelines for distributing the Software, please refer to the 
>> accompanying documentation file or visit our project website.
>>
>> Thank you for your consideration.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and not necessarily those of the Open Source Initiative. Communication from the Open Source Initiative will be sent from an opensource.org email address.
>>
>> License-review mailing list
>> License-review at lists.opensource.org
>> http://lists.opensource.org/mailman/listinfo/license-review_lists.opensource.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and not necessarily those of the Open Source Initiative. Communication from the Open Source Initiative will be sent from an opensource.org email address.
>
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> http://lists.opensource.org/mailman/listinfo/license-review_lists.opensource.org
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