Re: BK kernel workflow

Ryan Anderson
2004-10-29T20:12:58Z

On Fri, Oct 29, 2004 at 01:03:15PM -0600, Chris Friesen wrote:
> David Schwartz wrote:
>
> > This position is conditioned on two facts, either:
> >
> > 1) Linus does not distribute his BK tree, or
> >
> > 2) Linus' BK tree is not a derivative work of the Linux kernel
> >
> > If both of these are false, then the tree must be covered by the
> > GPL. I
> >think 2 is clearly false.
>
> The linux tree is certainly a derivative work of itself. The more
> important (and much more difficult) question is whether the metadata about
> the tree is a derivative work under the rules of the GPL, or whether it is
> mere aggregation.
>
> I think you could make a compelling argument that the linux kernel history
> metadata is *not* covered under the GPL, and hence can be restricted by
> licensing.

On the other hand, there is that whole "preferred form" part of the GPL
that could seriously muddy this issue.

--

Ryan Anderson
sometimes Pug Majere