[CS-FSLUG] Penguin in the Pew

[Don Parris]

On 5/3/05, David Aikema <daikema at gmail.com> wrote:
> One thing that I noticed is that the text is running under a
> attribution-required, no derivative works license.  I just find it a
> little ironic that a text arguing for software freedom (libre) is
> being distributed as something more akin to free (of cost) than
> possessing the freedoms allowed by the GPL.
> 
> David
> 

It does seem a bit ironic, doesn't it?  However, when we realize that
ideas expressed in text and ideas expressed in code do not fit exactly
the same mold, we then understand that the two must be treated
somewhat differently.  The question comes down to the nature of the
text.  Precisely because much of the text is an argument the GNU FDL
is not appropriate.  Even Lessig's Free Culture is released under the
standard copyright.

In my own view, a pure reference work, such as a dictionary or an
encylcopedia would surely work well with a CC attribution+share-alike
license - or even without the share-alike bit.  Personally, I would
use such a license with other works, such as novels, lyrics, sheet
music, etc.  Were I writing a manual, the GNU FDL would indeed be
appropriate.  Even RMS suggested that as he was reviewing this
edition.

However, Penguin in the Pew is not such a work.  While I am certain
that many will use it as a reference, it is not purely a reference
work.  PitP presents arguments related to technical and philosophical
matters.  While software should be modifiable, my opinion should not -
at least not by others.  This is why the no-derivs license is applied
in this case.  Those who wish to create derivative works are still
free to request permission.  Fair use is guaranteed by the license -
an essential component of the free culture's concerns.

That said, I have sought the input of the community over the last four
months.  I asked if there was interest in a professionally printed
edition - hardly a word there.  I asked for critical review - half the
folks who offered never gave a single comment.  Those who wanted to
weigh in have had plenty of opportunity to do so.


The Purpose of the Book:
The OOo marketing team gave me the idea to publish a print version so
that all of us could have something to take in hand to events like
BookCrossings, and other useful avenues of spreading the word.  One of
the developers on the Ichthux project seems to agree that it was a
decent idea.  As a member of The Freely Project, I sought to provide
everyone a useful tool that could be used to help promote the use of
FOSS within the church.  Part of the funds raised will go to support
our advocacy efforts.  Ben Thorp has been aware of my efforts all
along.  I hope that PitP 2.0 is received with that goal in mind.

Blessings,
Don
-- 
DC Parris GNU Evangelist
http://matheteuo.org/
gnumathetes at gmail.com
Free software is like God's love - 
you can share it with anyone anywhere anytime!