Re: NASA releases parts of mars robots sotware package as open source.

On 22 Jun, 19:00, rodsm...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Rod Smith) wrote:
Actually, the term "open source" has a pretty specific definition:

http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php


Yes, but I think this definition only applies if you want to be
certified by them. I disagree that a "body" can define open source and
monopolize and enforce its definition by their own understanding.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a standards body that, among other
things, certifies licenses as being open source (or refuses to offer such
certification). The OSI is starting to make noise about protecting the
name "open source" from those who want to abuse it:

http://www.opensource.org/node/163

As you're just somebody posting on Usenet, you presumably don't have to
worry about the OSI lawyers knocking on your door; however, using the term
"open source" incorrectly does mean you're not communicating effectively.
It's like calling something "green" when in fact it's orange, or at least
blue.

--
Rod Smith, rodsm...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx://www.rodsbooks.com
Author of books on Linux, FreeBSD, and networking

I am not sure about the law on this, but I don't see it reasonable or
fair that OSI lawyers have any right to say anything about how one
defines a license as "open source". As long as you dont claim it is
OSI certified, you should still have the right to call it open source
by your own definition. I would possibly call my own license explicity
"not OSI certified" just to be fair and avoid confusions, but I
definitely do think everyone has the right to have their own
definition of this.

Bahadir

.

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