Debian decides on GNU Free Documentation License

Posted by Herschel_Cohen on Mar 13, 2006 11:04 PM
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In a surprise decision, the developers of Debian have voted that materials released under the GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) are compatible with the Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG) -- but only if they contain no invariant sections. The decision settles a longstanding dispute within the project about the GFDL. Although the decision continues to separate Debian from other free and open source software (FOSS) projects, most of which accepts the GFDL without reservations, the possibility remains that future revisions to the license could allow Debian accept it fully.

[ED: As the freest of the free(dom) software movement, the concerns of this group must be taken seriously. Note too that some Wikies had to develop monitoring methods to catch flagrant misuse of (too) interested parties in blatant skewing of the meaning of the contents. See for example, the actions of U.S. Congressionial staffs to burnish the image of their local icon. - HC]

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