Andre Schnabel wrote:
We cannot get to a consensus as long as we do not know, what we talk about. Just to say we "address legal issues" is much to genereal to get any consensus.
Maybe we should mention to users the potential impact of using copyrighted material belonging to others. We don't have to scare them off by doing so. I think that many people have no real idea of what their general obligations are in this regard. I'd be willing to do a wiki section on this topic (IP in general). Of course, when people sign the JCA, or the PDL, they do so in the apparent knowledge that they are not submitting copyrighted works belonging to others or that they are not doing so without their authorisation. But do they understand the practical significance of these clauses ? I think that most probably don't.
Perhaps, we ought to have a "The JCA or the PDL explained page" (maybe these exist already in the various n-l FAQs). It would necessarily be general, since copyright is not unfortunately universal, some states have still not yet signed up to the Bern Convention on Copyright.
Maybe a summary of the discussions at Debia legal might help.
Debian legal talks about a whole lot of things, much of which isn't relevant for us. Trawling thru their lists can be a real PITA, even for a lawyer ;-).
If I could drum up some support from other lawyers on the various lists, it might be worthwhile starting a Legal project. The problem would be its acceptance within the community and of course the "apparent" lack of enthusiasm of legal professionals in general to do anything for free ;-), even in what spare time they do have. I say acceptance, because I know for a fact and from experience that legal advisors are seen by many as meddlers. That's OK, I've learned to live with it, but it still doesn't take anything away from the importance of the topic.
It is interesting in itself that there only appears to be you and I having this discussion, even if it is the weekend. Thanks a lot for your input.
Alex --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
