[thelist] Open source licensing and web development

[Travis]

> What if I used GPLed parts like bulletin boards on a site - would that
> force me to GPL the entire site?

The general rule with this, as I understand it, is that you can download and
inetgrate gpl components (like a bulletin board system) into your website by
modifying the code if you so wish. If you use pieces of GPL'd code in your
own code, then, if requested, you must release the source code to those
modifcations - UNLESS you are not publishing the code - ie if it is strictly
for internal use.  (You might want to double check on that, but I'm fairly
sure that's the way it works.)

Certainly what you do not have to do is make available other scripts from
your website if they are not derived from GPLd code. As explained in the
legal doc...

"These requirements apply to the modified work as a whole. If identifiable
sections of that work are not derived from the Program, and can be
reasonably considered independent and separate works in themselves, then
this License, and its terms, do not apply to those sections when you
distribute them as separate works."

IOW you do not have to gpl all the independent scripts on your site simply
because you add some gpl software to your site.

Hope this helps,

-trav

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kasimir K" <evolt at kasimir-k.fi>
To: <thelist at lists.evolt.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2004 12:47 PM
Subject: [thelist] Open source licensing and web development


> Hello,
>
> Recently I have had to think a lot of how I license the sites I make for
> my clients. This has led me to think the possibility to use an open
> source license, e.g. GPL.
>
> Do you have any experiences on this? Anything special to take into
> consideration? Is GPL good, or should I consider other options?
>
> How about the design? What should I do with the graphics I create? Or
> CSS files?
>
> What if I used GPLed parts like bulletin boards on a site - would that
> force me to GPL the entire site?
>
> thanks for any thoughts,
> .k
>
> -- 
>
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