tdavis@enlog.Wichita.NCR.COM (Tim Davis) (03/16/89)
PAYWARE, SHAREWARE, FREEWARE, PUBLIC DOMAIN -- How can you tell?
Most people who download software off the net probably don't worry
to much about which category above the software fits in to. Most
(but certainly not all) programs have readme files giving distribution
restrictions. Unfortunately, MOST doesn't always cut it.
For instance the recent GNU e?grep posting readme file says "see
the egrep.c file for distribution info. THERE WAS NO .c file in
the archive!
Why is this a problem? Here at NCR E&M Wichita our general manager has
clamped down (hard) on illegal software floating around on EVERYONE's
PCs. They are going to start inspecting each and EVERY pc periodically
to make sure that LEGAL MASTER copies are sitting next to the computer
in question. Getting caught will result in suspension or firing.
HELP! I don't know whether this will start a trend but it would be
nice if submitters would include a LICENSE page and ORDERFORM page
seperate from (or at least paginated within the) README documentation.
Make sure ...
1. The copyright is clear.
2. Author's name appears
3. Company name+address to order from.
4. COST (very important -- include info about site licensing)
5. If the program is shareware, are corporations required to buy it?
6. Information is presented about distribution restrictions.
7. You have included ALL the files according to distribution requirments
if you are sending in a shareware type program. A MANIFESTO would
be nice.
8. Have I forgotten anything?
I was under the impression that the condition for GNU distributions was
that EVERY FILE had to go from person A to person B. I don't know how
that is modified in the event of portings from one computer to another
(as is the case of gnu -> pc programs.)
I would like to see the moderator(s) require a LICENSE, MANIFEST and ORDERFORM
(if shareware) in all distributions.
DEFINITIONS:
* PAYWARE - Private individuals and Corporations pay if they keep a copy
of the program on their computer. ONE MASTER TO ONE COMPUTER.
Program(s), text and data files copyrighted. Watch out for trademarks
and registered marks.
* SHAREWARE - Private individuals pay specified donation if they consider
the program worthwhile. Distribution of full file set encouraged.
Corporations are sometimes not given the choice of paying.
Program(s), text and datafiles are copyrighted.
Payment of donation may or may not register you for future updates.
* FREEWARE - NO donation required by private individuals or corporations.
Distribution is encouraged (obviously).
Program(s), text, and datafiles are copyrighted. Permission given to
copy freely as long as distribution requirements (in license) are met.
Registration for updates probably not available.
* PUBLIC DOMAIN (PUBLICWARE...) Absolutely no restrictions, no copyrights.
Cut, hack, take credit for (at your own risk), distribute freely or for
a price.
FLAMES? COMMENTS? ENCOURAGMENTS?
...tIM dAVIS
tim.davis@Wichita.NCR.COM
--
...tIM dAVIS
(Tim.Davis@Wichita.NCR.COM)jbuck@epimass.EPI.COM (Joe Buck) (03/18/89)
In article <330@enlog.Wichita.NCR.COM> tdavis@enlog.Wichita.NCR.COM (Tim Davis) writes: >For instance the recent GNU e?grep posting readme file says "see >the egrep.c file for distribution info. THERE WAS NO .c file in >the archive! Sounds like we've got a problem. The GNU redistribution agreement is very strict (the Free Software Foundation people are passionate about the way they feel software could be distributed), and by distributing a binary without the GNU license you've violated it big time. Rahul, I suggest you read the GNU software license carefully before distributing binaries made from any more GNU stuff. As I understand it, if you also distribute source and you include a copy of the GNU license you're legit. -- -- Joe Buck jbuck@epimass.epi.com, uunet!epimass.epi.com!jbuck