HP-41 modules and GPL

[hth]

(04-08-2018 09:52 PM)Mike (Stgt) Wrote:  

(04-08-2018 07:47 PM)hth Wrote:  [...] GPL comes with obligations for the middle man, the one who distributes a collection [...]

Thank you for starting this 'law suit' thread, so I may ask the collected experts. MoHPC has under 'HP Software Libraries' four forums where I plan to publish a "bigger-than-the-usual" collection of routines (about 1300 lines, typcally my other programs are just 20..200 lines). In contrast to the smaller programs which I regard as 'sooner or later anyone else would have come across the same solution of this problem', as such they are nothing special, 'give away' for free, without license.

But this "bigger" thing (but not big enough to make money with it) did cost me some effort and I'd like to bind it to the QPL -- Q Public License. I want to be informed in case someone is able to improve it.

Questions:

1. Is it allowed to publish in a MoHPC forum progrms with a license at will? (I did not find a forum behaviour specification).
2. What impact would such licensed SW have on MoHPC?
3. Will I ever notice if someone offends against the license, for example, runs a modified version without telling me?

I don't know common law, I'd ask my Ma.

/M.

You are welcome, these threads are in fashion now it seems.... oh well...

I had a quick look at the license, it seems much like GPL, apart from stripped down from saying "Free" everywhere. There also seem to be no obligation to tell receivers and it does not attempt to invade other licences. Otherwise, you need to give out source of works where it is used.

Somehow it would be nice with a license that requires you to give back any improvements and changes you make, but not limit it from being used in a larger context without requiring the source of everything. For a while I hoped that was the thing with this license, but it seems not (I read that section 3-4 times).

Regarding your questions.

1. Others can probably answer this, but unless MoHPC states otherwise, I would assume it is allowed (if what is done seems reasonable).
2. Nothing, it is not linked together in any way. You put your distribution there and that is it.
3. Unless your software has a hidden call home to papa feature, you will not notice unless you happen to stumble over it.
   

I think you are doing the right thing. You think ahead what you want to accomplish and what you worry about, before deciding on the license.

Håkan