The forum needs a code sharing policy

GedB · Post by **GedB** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:16 pm

Things are getting heated between Ricardo and JC over the use of code he posted to the forum. This isn't the first time this has happened.

It would be good if the forum has a clear policy regarding the sharing of code.

Here are some options:

All code is GPL. Those that modify it are obliged to post their updates.
All code is freeware or creative commons. Anybody can do as they please.
The author of the code should be contacted privately to gain permission to use the code.

Of couse, contributers should be free to override the default policy by making an explicit statement.

What do you think?

dracflamloc · Post by **dracflamloc** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:33 pm

By default, I'd say its just public domain if someone doesn't put their own license in. Mandatory licensing requirements like the GPL would be foolish and severely limit the usefulness of this forum and the work people do for the community.

The problem is this is going to happen no matter what 'default' license forum users must agree to. If you're a coder and you post code publicly, there will always be someone out there who ignores the license. Its a risk you just have to take.

Kale · Post by **Kale** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:34 pm

i think all code here should be public domain unless it comes with an authors license. then that is all clear.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:10 pm

Posting code (without any license or like) is like giving something away, you have no say over how it is used after you pass it on, you do of course have no come backs if or when it goes wrong.

utopiomania · Post by **utopiomania** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:14 pm

Google 'ten myths about copyright' for some background on this. But I think the nature of this forums
makes it difficult to claim copyright to stuff posted here.

It's usually common algorithms mixed with translations from other languages and other members code
mixed in a pot and served up as a trick or tip.

Complete programs might easily be a different story though. If we are going to make a rule, I think
'public domain unless the author says otherwise' is the way to go.

merihevonen · Post by **merihevonen** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:23 pm

Why such a hassle?

We do it like we have always done it:
We steal others' code, then we just modify the application name and post it as our own software

I don't see any problem with that

Brice Manuel · Post by **Brice Manuel** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:47 pm

merihevonen wrote:Why such a hassle?

We do it like we have always done it:
We steal others' code, then we just modify the application name and post it as our own software

I don't see any problem with that

ROFL

Rook Zimbabwe · Post by **Rook Zimbabwe** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:02 pm

Merihoven... we don't Steal we get inspired and run amuck with the new knowledge we have done did learnt!

If I post any code someone wants to cut and paste. I assume it will be copied and used. I would like a mention in the project if this is done but I cannot insist on it.

But if it is posted it is usable.

Of course this will lead to Code Hoarding

DevilDog · Post by **DevilDog** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:55 pm

Seems to me to be pretty simple. If you post code on the site, you should expect that others will use it, often with out giving you credit.

If you want something other than that, you should clearly state it on the original posting that has your code.

Programs that I have written that I decided I did not want to share for whatever reason, I did not post the code.

That should keep thinks simple.

One of the things that makes this site great is the large amount of working samples of code. It's awesome!

GedB · Post by **GedB** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:01 pm

I think your right, the most sensible policy is freeware unless otherwise stated.

However, I think if that was made explicit with a simple statement in the posting page or in a sticky it could save some grief.

I wonder if the powers-that-be-riko are listening.

Rescator · Post by **Rescator** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 3:08 am

I agree with the:

"All code posted on these forums are considered public domain unless noted otherwise by the poster/author!"

Fred/Mods any chance of putting this at the top of the forum? (forum comment field in board settings if I recall correctly)

As for authors releasing full program source, if people are unsure and wanna be "nice" I'd advise http://www.gzip.org/zlib/zlib_license.html
It's the least restrictive and widespread license of it's type and compatible with most other licenses. BSD license is also a ok alternative.

See here for a list of various licenses: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software_licence