Providing Linux Distributions And Source Code?

Jens asks: "In my neighborhood I am the only one with a leased line and so I started burning Linux distributions, mostly current snapshots of the Debian GNU/Linux binary-i386 tree, on CD. I sell them for a small fee, and I sell about one to two CD sets a week. Now I realize that the GNU Public Licence permits this as long as I can guarantee that for at least three years after selling a CD I can provide a source distribution of the packages that were included on the CDs. As downloading costs money and time, mirroring an extra 3-4GB per needed snapshot is no option for me since I don't make any real money selling those snapshots. This is all very small-volume work and I do it for the fun of it and to provide people without Internet access with current Linux systems. But I'm wondering if there are other ways..." Read on...

"Some other points:

• Can I gamble on the fact that IF in three years time someone asks me for the source distro, I can just download a current source snapshot and send that one?
• Can I ask the customer that we agree on ignoring that respect of the GPL (which would be bad for ethics, but an option)? [I would expect (and sincerely hope) not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.]
• And finally, what would I have to expect if in two years time, someone would want the source from me and I couldn't provide it (for whatever reason)?

I did read the GPL, however I'm not that good at parsing legalese so please don't tell me to RTFLicence right away. Any help would be appreciated."

Comments

Be an 'Agent'

[technos]

One option may be an 'as agent' form. It's a pretty standard regurgitation of legalese that says 'I am acting on the behalf of [x], and performing [x] action in his/her stead.'. You are then not bound by the GPL after the fact of handing over the disc. It's pretty much the same as loaning them your equipment and letting them copy it themselves.

Otherwise, just snag and master a single set of source discs. It shouldn't take that long. If anyone actually contacts you for source, let them know you'll make them a copy for media fee but that d/ling the source off the net will be faster for them and less painful for you. Everone's ass will be covered this way, and you won't have to drag the people you give/sell the discs to through signing a form..

a technical solution (not legal analysis)

[dutky]

Why don't you download and burn a CD (or a couple of CDs) of the sources for the distribution CD's you are currently selling? You would then have the source in your own posession for the required three years.

IANAL, but are you really responsible for providing the source code if all you are doing is burning exact copies of someone elses distro? Can't you just point anyone that comes to you for the source back to the original distributor?