On Fri, Sep 21, 2012, at 01:53 PM, Chiradeep Vittal wrote: > There is a long list of blocker bugs [1] regarding the configuration > files checked in to the repository. Some of the bugs ask that the Apache > License header be inserted into the config file if it is indeed resolved > as "written specifically for CloudStack". > > My question is whether this is necessary — > > 1. Almost all configuration files in the universe do not have a license > header, this seems to break convention > 2. It may make it harder to compare CloudStack configurations with > "stock" configuration files
If we want to be extra-cautious without putting undue noise in the configuration files, could we simply put something in the NOTICE file like this? "Configuration files for third-party programs written specifically for distribution with Apache CloudStack are provided under the Apache Software License 2.0" or "Configuration files for third-party programs written specifically for distribution with Apache CloudStack are not considered to be under copyright. You may use, modify, and distribute those files without restriction." The second would be my preference as I am of the opinion configuration files are not expressive works, but data and should not be encumbered by copyright. Of course, I'm not a lawyer, so my opinion is just that - opinion - and not legal guidance. (It *does* seem to be the pervasive view with most FOSS communities, though.) Best, Joe -- Joe Brockmeier j...@zonker.net Twitter: @jzb http://www.dissociatedpress.net/
