Russ Allbery <r...@debian.org> writes: > Here is the complete text [of the current Policy §2.2.1]: > > The main archive area comprises the Debian distribution. Only the > packages in this area are considered part of the distribution. > None of the packages in the main archive area require software > outside of that area to function. Anyone may use, share, modify > and redistribute the packages in this archive area freely […]
I think the meaning is clear, and it matches Russ's interpretation. Russ Allbery <r...@debian.org> writes: > If it would result in less argument, I can support rephrasing the > first paragraph to include the magic word "must" around "does not > require software outside of main to function." Regardless of whether such a patch is necessary, I present the following for your consideration: --- a/policy.sgml +++ b/policy.sgml @@ -475,15 +475,16 @@ <p> The <em>main</em> archive area comprises the Debian distribution. Only the packages in this area are considered - part of the distribution. None of the packages in - the <em>main</em> archive area require software outside of - that area to function. Anyone may use, share, modify and - redistribute the packages in this archive area - freely<footnote> + part of the distribution. + </p> + + <p>Every package in <em>main</em> must be free<footnote> See <url id="http://www.debian.org/intro/free" name="What Does Free Mean?"> for more about what we mean by free software. - </footnote>. + </footnote> for anyone to use, share, modify, and redistribute, + and must function without requiring works outside of + the <em>main</em> area. </p> <p> I believe this does not change the meaning of that section. It separates the wording into an informative statement of fact, followed by the normative language. -- \ “We now have access to so much information that we can find | `\ support for any prejudice or opinion.” —David Suzuki, 2008-06-27 | _o__) | Ben Finney -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-bugs-dist-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org