Hi Eric, First I wanted to say again that whatever your final decision, a build system that optionally does the renaming would still be appreciated. It would be even better if the MoFo would do it themselves, of course. I'm sure some users would feel better if they are able to ponder the risks for themselves. Also remember that if the MoFo sends you a cease-and-desist letter, you won't have an advanced warning, so you'd better have plan B ready.
Also, your mail made me think about the freedom of software. I have a problem with the fact that you won't aknowledge the MoFo's offer, but will accept it implicitly by keeping the package as is if they don't complain. What difference does it make to the user ? I think what's important, and what DFSG deals with, is what freedom the user has, regardless of what Debian does. What about Firefox ? 1) users may distribute a modified version. 2) users may not call their modified version "Firefox". So the question is whether 2) is too obnoxious for the software to still be free. If yes, then Firefox has to go in non-free, if no, then it doesn't matter how it is called in Debian. As a maintainer, you can help make the renaming painless, so that 2) becomes less problematic. IMHO with a suitable building system, 2) would be perfectly acceptable. By keeping the package as firefox, you are making very little change to the user. The only freedom you are taking away from them is: 3) the freedom to call their modified version the same as Debian. This freedom is mostly irrelevant. The only reason a user would want that is if some script directly calls the binary, instead of using the relevant alternative symlink (/usr/bin/mozilla, I think). If the Policy documents that you should not rely on /usr/bin/firefox, 3) is no problem. Then again, what may be desirable for the user is to call their version "Firefox", not "the same as Debian". Well, I hope I made my point of view as a freedom-concerned user clearer to whoever will make the decision. Btw, I support your calling to the DPL, and I hope he accepts to make the decision, now that everybody had the opportunity to express their view. Keep on with the good work, I don't really care how it's called ! Cheers, BC -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
