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Date:      Fri, 4 Jun 2004 21:47:10 +0400
From:      Yar Tikhiy <yar@comp.chem.msu.su>
To:        Alex Dupre <ale@FreeBSD.org>
Cc:        ports@FreeBSD.org
Subject:   Re: NO_CDROM and NO_PACKAGE set together?
Message-ID:  <20040604174710.GD30578@comp.chem.msu.su>
In-Reply-To: <40C09B9A.4020501@FreeBSD.org>
References:  <20040604142439.GA25434@comp.chem.msu.su> <40C088C3.3020408@FreeBSD.org> <20040604150641.GA26338@comp.chem.msu.su> <40C09B9A.4020501@FreeBSD.org>

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I'm afraid that excessive use of parentheses makes
comprehending the text more difficult.  Personally,
I prefer simpler style when writing documentation.
I.e.:

	6.2.1 NO_PACKAGE
	This variable indicates that we may not generate a binary
	package of the application.  For instance, the license may
	disallow binary redistribution or distribution of packages
	created from patched sources.

	However, the port's DISTFILES may be freely mirrored on
	FTP/HTTP.  They may also be distributed on a CD-ROM (or
	similar media) unless NO_CDROM is set as well.
 
	...
 
	6.2.2 NO_CDROM
	This variable alone indicates that, although we are allowed
	to generate binary packages, we may put neither those
	packages nor the port's DISTFILES onto a CD-ROM (or similar
	media) for resale.  However, the binary packages and the
	port's DISTFILES will still be available via FTP/HTTP.

	If this variable is set along with NO_PACKAGE, only the
	port's DISTFILES will be available, and only via FTP/HTTP.

	...

	6.2.3 RESTRICTED
	Set this variable alone if the application's license permits
	neither mirroring the application's DISTFILES nor distributing
	the binary package in any way.

	NO_CDROM or NO_PACKAGE should not be set along with RESTRICTED
	since the latter variable implies the former ones.

	...
 

I think that a bit of reiteration won't hurt when speaking of the
license stuff.  At the same time, IMHO, your note at the beginning
can be removed safely as soon as the main paragraphs change.

> >Besides other things, the word "freely" is no longer used since
> >media distribution usually involves at least covering production
> >and shipping expences.
> 
> "Free" doesn't imply "gratis".

Recently I met a port (mail/milter-sender) whose application's
license explicitly stated that any exchange of goods, even that to
cover expenses, was commerce.  I believe that such words as "free"
must be used with caution when touching legal issues.

-- 
Yar



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