[JDEV] theoretic-smtp, Ransom License, Jabber and GPL incompatibility

Mon Jun 24 17:49:31 CDT 2002

--- David Waite <mass at akuma.org> wrote:
> James Michael DuPont wrote:
> 
> >Also there is some software with a crazy license on it,
> >a "ransom" license? I thought jabber is free software? I dont want
> any
> >ransom software on my machine, why is in CVS if it cannot be used?
> >  
> >
> Huh? Elaborate please.
I am talking about Adam Theos Ransom License on the theoretic-smtp
jabber gateway.

I find it amusing and annoying on the positive side,  Even creative.

On the negative side I feel violated having seen this source code, now
how can I implement the same under a GPL without getting into a nasty
conflict? Why should I get source code out of CVS that I have to
delete?
I just did a "co ." to get all the branches.

QUOTE "3 Once the evaluation period ends, you agree to either
purchase a registered copy of the software at usd$5.00, or immediately
stop any further use, copying and modification of the software and any
modifications and to destroy all such copies or modifications."

I mean come on! What type of BS is that? Sure Adam is only 21 years
old,   but it is a bit silly.

I have written my questions to theo at theoretic.com before, and have
gotten no statement from him. The point is, that it is ok, I would say
to put it on his own web server, but what is it doing on the jabber
server? 
Do you have to delete the source code from your server after 30 day?

There is not anything really special about this source code, and
http://www.jabberstudio.org/cgi-bin/viewcvs.cgi/theoretic-smtp/jabber.pl?rev=1.6&content-type=text/vnd.viewcvs-markup
is missing any license statement.

Also , how can I contribute to jabber if we are not all playing on the
same level playing ground? 

Also, adam has been pushing to get jabber into DotGNU, 
project and I have not wanted to make a big deal about it, but
jabber is now an officially endorsed project.

But it is strange that I cannot even use his contribution as part of a
GNU software,
the license is totally unacceptable for a free software project and
represents an inpurity that has to be removed.

Dont take me as being negative,
I think that he should be able to license his ideas and software as
he likes, but not mixing it up with free software. I dont want anything
to do wiht this ransom license for my software that is under GPL.

If you feel that this is good, then collect the money,
pay him off, and remove the license. Otherwise you will just scare
people off.

Best Regards,
James Michael DuPont

TWO SNIPPETS FOLLOW :
[1] theoretic-smtp/README
[2] theoretic-smtp/LICENSE

-------------------------SNIP-------------------------
[1]http://www.jabberstudio.org/cgi-bin/viewcvs.cgi/theoretic-smtp/README?rev=1.4&content-type=text/vnd.viewcvs-markup
-------------------------SNIP-------------------------
### LICENSE
You may download, use, and redistribute the source code at no
cost. However, you may not modify and redistribute, or incorporate
this source code into other projects. That is because the source code
is not yet Open Source or Free Software. It is published under a
"Ransom License", which means the rights to the source code remain
restricted until a set amount of money is collected or a set date
passes, at which point the code is freed. You can read the particular
Ransom License used, "Theoretic's Simple Ransom License v0.9", in the
LICENSE file found packaged with the SMTP-T program or from its
website [http://www.theoretic.com/?JabberSMTP]. And you can help Open
Source JabberSMTP by contributing to its Ransom amount
[http://www.theoretic.com/?JabberSMTP/Ransom]. To find out more
information about the Ransom Model, visit the Ransom website
[http://www.theoretic.com/?Ransom].
-------------------------SNIP-------------------------

-------------------------SNIP-------------------------
[2]http://www.jabberstudio.org/cgi-bin/viewcvs.cgi/theoretic-smtp/LICENSE?rev=1.2&content-type=text/vnd.viewcvs-markup
-------------------------SNIP-------------------------
######### THEORETIC'S SIMPLE RANSOM LICENSE ##########
Version 1.1

Copyright 2001 Adam Theo

This Simple Ransom License covers all copyrighted material that say
they are covered under the terms and conditions of the "Simple Ransom
License".

Use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
	1 You may use, copy, or modify the software at no cost for an
evaluation period of up to 31 days, beginning when you first install
the software on one or more computers, in order to determine whether
the product meets your needs before purchasing it.
	2 You may use, copy or modify the source code or binary form
for your internal use only. No redistribution is allowed. This applies
for both evaluation and registered copies.
	3 Once the evaluation period ends, you agree to either
purchase a registered copy of the software at usd$5.00, or immediately
stop any further use, copying and modification of the software and any
modifications and to destroy all such copies or modifications.
	You should make payments through PayPal
(http://www.paypal.com), sending to 'theo at theoretic.com', although
I may accept other payment methods if you talk to me about it.
	4 By registering the copy to you, the copyright holder is
obligated to count your payment towards the Ransom Amount of
usd$100.00. When the full Ransom Amount has been collected, the source
code will be automatically re-licensed under the JOSL, included
below.
	Details and other information on this Ransom model can be
found at http://www.theoretic.com/ransom, or from the
ransom at theoretic.com mailing list.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
"AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE REGENTS OR
CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR
PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
-------------------------SNIP-------------------------

=====
James Michael DuPont
http://introspector.sourceforge.net/

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