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RMS On Header Files and Derivative Works
tomhudson writes "In this email from 2003, Richard Stallman says 'I've talked with our lawyer about one specific issue that you raised: that of
using simple material from header files. Someone recently made the claim that including a header file always
makes a derivative work. That's not the FSF's view. Our view is that just using structure
definitions, typedefs, enumeration constants, macros with simple
bodies, etc., is NOT enough to make a derivative work. It would take
a substantial amount of code (coming from inline functions or macros
with substantial bodies) to do that.' This should help end the recent FUD about the Android 'clean headers.'"
How the fuck do we decide what a "substantial amount of code" actually is? Where exactly is the boundary?
Free Software zealot: "substantial amount of code" == one line
Corporate America: "substantial amount of code" == entire program.
IP Lawyers: "substantial amount of code" == new Porsche.
is not copyrightable.
What about:
'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' II Corinthians 5:7
Theo, is that you?
"First they came for the slanderers and i said nothing."
> unless you know of a higher court than the Supreme Court of the USofA
Yes, I wonder what God thinks about this whole issue.
Who else is fed up by Florian Mueller's antics?
I sense a new slashdot poll
What do you think of Florian Mueller's antics?
[_] Florian Mueller's blog is the new goatse link. "Oww! My MIND! Quick, get the brain bleach!"
[X] I just want to know who's paying for it.
[_] "I'm an anonymous coward and I approve" -- Florian Mueller
[_] "Damn, forgot to check 'Post Anonymously' -- Florian Mueller
[_] Hey, it generates page hits and sells ads -- editors
[_] I am Steve Ballmer and I approve of Florian Mueller's antics
[_] In Soviet Russia, everyone trolls Florian Mueller.
[_] Florian Mueller had an original idea that wasn't a troll. It died of loneliness.
[_] A grue ate him. Nothing of consequence was lost.
[_] 104% of 42 respondents preferred CowboyNeal.
This latest attempt to generate FUD pretty much seals the deal - his 15 minutes are SO over.
I agree with RMS on this one. So, now you have it from the highest source.
"Clearly this evolution thing needs more bug testing. I've created a race largely composed of idiots."