> After re-reading the GPL it does state that there is no absolute
> requirement to
> have the source code available for download on a public ftp site,
> there only
> needs to be a written offer of a source code distribution made
> available on
> request (ie. a cdrom sent out by snail mail). This source code
> distribution
> should be made available at no more than the cost of materials + postage.
Indeed. And I, amongst many others have made such a request and have
received
no response. Since a CD is what I want anyway, I would be happy to get that
sent by snail mail, but they already have an infrastructure for distributing
the source, it makes sense for them to use it. No response is no response
whichever distribution method you choose.
> Before throwing words about like 'violation', and 'deliberately
> witholding' has
> there been enough time for Mandrake to respond to any source code
> requests?
Yes, and no. There has been plenty time for them to respond as this question
has been asked many times, and I do think a firm prod is very much in order,
but I also think we should give them a further week or so to respond as we
are at the tail end of the holiday season.
I've been very suprised by their lack of movement (aka absolute silence) on
this issue. I would have thought they would have been appalled that the job
had not been finished correctly and rushed to correct it, but this seems not
to be the case. Maybe there's a reason they're not publishing it, but if so
they need to be up front with their users and explain themselves.
Tony.
