[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       kde-policies
Subject:    P2P file sharing software in KDE's CVS
From:       Scott Wheeler <wheeler () kde ! org>
Date:       2003-09-12 13:42:04
[Download RAW message or body]

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Hi folks,

A couple of the guys (on CC here) brought up on IRC the possibility of 
importing a file sharing app that they're working on into nonbeta and had the 
misfortune of asking my opinion.

I recently noticed KMLDonkey in kdeextragear-2 and have some reservations 
about having file sharing in KDE's CVS.  But before I launch into my opinion 
I should first qualify it as being just that and second say that I hope that 
there's a concensus on this matter so that we get any flamewars out of the 
way now and can proceed accordingly.


[personal opinion section]

I personally don't think it's wise to have P2P software in KDE's CVS.  Aside 
from all "right or wrong" or "legal or illegal" debates, I see having P2P 
software in KDE's CVS repository as a legal liability that's unnecessary and 
potentially puts the project in a situation where it's primary goals -- 
shipping a high quality Open Source desktop -- could be compremised by 
something that isn't one of its primary goals.

I don't like the RIAA or the MPAA or what they're doing with legal action in 
the US, but I don't see it as too far fetched that they would sue either the 
KDE project, KDE developers or KDE users for such supporting, developing or 
using such software.  I don't even think that having such software *is* 
illegal or wrong, but I'm not convinced that this would stop a potential law 
suit that could harm the KDE project -- win or lose.

Basically I don't think it's worth the risk, especially when there are other 
places willing to host such software that do have more developed legal and 
financial assets.

All of the standard arguments, "We have to fight" or "It's no more illegal 
than CD burning software" or "It has legal uses [wink]" don't mean much to me 
when comared with the fact that I see it as possible that it could distract 
and injure the project as a whole.  I personally don't see promotion of P2P 
file sharing software as an integral part of the KDE project.

All of this said, I may be in the minority opinion, if so I would still like 
to see some clear stand on this.  Please in the discussion try to avoid, 
"It's not illegal or immoral and it saved my life" type of arguments.  I'd 
like to keep simple -- risk vs. benefit.

Cheers,

- -Scott
- -- 
Well this should cheer you up for sure.  You see I've got your old ID and 
you're all dressed up like The Cure.
- --Ben Folds Five, "Battle of Who Could Care Less"
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.0.7 (GNU/Linux)

iD8DBQE/YdMsQu0ByfY5QTkRAj7gAJ0at1L/yt2Evxm2U7XwD0QD07PbbwCeIn/j
2F4ZPAIOKDfxKfh9D5NpOgE=
=rbNU
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
_______________________________________________
Kde-policies mailing list
Kde-policies@mail.kde.org
http://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo/kde-policies

[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]