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alexfernandez / elyxer

eLyXer (pronounced elixir) is a LyX to HTML converter. While there are a ton of such projects all over the web, eLyXer has a clear focus on flexibility and elegant output.
GNU General Public License v3.0
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Clarify licensing terms for CSS #7

Open esseks opened 9 years ago

esseks commented 9 years ago

The default CSS style is released under a GPLv3 license, which is intended primarily for computer programs. In fact, it includes references to source code, linked libraries, binaries etc. etc.

There is no clear consensus about the implications of applying such a license outside the original scope. It can be done in practice, but it poses additional problems, since some definitions become ambiguos when out of the computer program source vs. executable frame.

It would be nice if you included a FAQ or a license exception (if it is the case, IANAL) addressing the following concerns arising from the "virality" of GPL:

  1. Is the HTML page considered "code" to which your CSS is "linked" for the purposes of the GPL? Does it mean that if minify my HTML, I have to provide a non-minified "source" distribution? Do I have to provide an archive or a written notice for requesting one?
  2. If the HTML markup is considered code, does it mean that I have to license under GPLv3 whatever is published on the website that hosts the page?
  3. If the HTML is not what you call "source", does it mean that I have to distribute the LyX files?

I hope you understand that these points offer a few inconveniences to people (like myself) who would like to build a personal website both without violating the terms of licensing and without having to provide "source code" for what is not really code :)

alexfernandez commented 9 years ago

Hi, is this commit good enough for you? https://github.com/alexfernandez/elyxer/commit/7a431444c681bf834dbfd3f138a09733f7e64eb0

Basically just use the CSS as you desire.