Brian T. Sniffen said: > The GNU GPL is somewhat awkward for print distribution: it requires > either a CD of source in the back or an onerous offer valid for three > years. The best alternative I can consider is to distribute the book > under the GPL, with the special exception that printed copies may be > derived from it, or perhaps a separate license to the publisher.
Special permission for the publisher might not be a bad idea, but it may weaken the OP's desire that the publisher's version be Free. The GPL is reasonably well-suited for print distribution (at least for large publication): Most technical books are created and modified on a computer, so there is a "preferred form of modification" (aka source). The publisher will usually keep this form around for the "2nd Edition" revisions, etc. Many technical books come with a CD of examples from the book, or similar material. A copy of the source could easily be distributed on that CD.* Alternatively, the book's copyright page could offer a copy of the source by sending an SASE (with blank formatted floppy) to the publisher. Offer valid through $LAST_PUBLICATION_DATE+3years. --Joe * The book could not legally be sold without the CD, since the seller would not be fulfilling the reqs of the GPL.
