[maemo-developers] Ask for removal of some packages from Extras Fremantle repository

[From: Graham Cobb]

On Monday 22 March 2010 20:41:33 Darren Long wrote:
> Doesn't the GPL say so?  I believe that if the source isn't provided with
> the binaries, then it has to be available for 3 years, from those who
> distributed the binaries, which in this case is maemo.org.

Of course, if Benoit personally owns the copyright to some of those then he 
can do what he likes with them -- he is not bound by his own licence and does 
not have to continue to make source available if he does not wish to!

> Its not this specific case I have issues with, its the principle, in
> general, of withdrawing GPL code from the maemo.org repos.  No-one has the
> right to require its removal.

The maintainer who submitted it can require its removal.  We really do not 
want code in the Maemo repositories where the maintainer has explicitly 
withdrawn it.

Of course, if it has been made available under the GPL, and you have a copy of 
the source, then you are welcome to volunteer as the new maintainer and 
re-submit it.  

On the other hand, if the upstream developer does not wish that then you 
should at least consider their views.  You are within your rights to fork it 
but should consider whether that is best, particularly if there is a risk the 
developer will choose not to release further updates if their wishes are 
disregarded.

Graham