Documentation License

[imnotpc]

I'm working on installation instructions and I've realized that there is no realistic way to complete it without using chunks of text from other open source sites. Since the material I wish to use is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2, I would then have to release my modifications under a compatible license. I have no issue whatsoever with doing that, however our site doesn't currently have a designated license (at least I couldn't find one) and I don't want my work to be incompatible with any future license we adopt.

So... as if we didn't have enough things to work on <sigh>, we also need to discuss and adopt a copyright/license policy for the content of the site. And on top of that I have to break the news that... I don't have an opinion on this topic. Yes I know it's a shock but it's true. There is a topic I don't have an opinion on. <wink> Nevertheless this is an important decision we need to make, and the sooner the better.

[mikedee]

Well that isnt exactly as simple as the GPL :shock:

I think that section 7 covers what you are trying to do.

7. AGGREGATION WITH INDEPENDENT WORKS

A compilation of the Document or its derivatives with other separate and independent documents or works, in or on a volume of a storage or distribution medium, is called an "aggregate" if the copyright resulting from the compilation is not used to limit the legal rights of the compilation's users beyond what the individual works permit. When the Document is included in an aggregate, this License does not apply to the other works in the aggregate which are not themselves derivative works of the Document.

If the Cover Text requirement of section 3 is applicable to these copies of the Document, then if the Document is less than one half of the entire aggregate, the Document's Cover Texts may be placed on covers that bracket the Document within the aggregate, or the electronic equivalent of covers if the Document is in electronic form. Otherwise they must appear on printed covers that bracket the whole aggregate.

I think this means that you do not have to change the licence you use. Having said that , this licence seems as good as any other. Like you, I dont have too much of an opinion on it :)