4 ms·

So technically this could mean that every person that has launched a mastadon instance needs to make a copy and release to the world our config files, passwords

So technically this could mean that every person that has launched a mastadon instance needs to make a copy and release to the world our config files, passwords, DB users and other changes for the world to see? Or we are all in violation of making changes and not re-releasing them? Does it spell out how we need to release them, like upon request via email or have a link to a package via main page or something?

woodruffw 5y ago
Your passwords and databases are probably not considered code, whereas a DSL that happens to be used for configuration would be. But let's be clear: copyright holders get to decide when they enforce their copyrights. They aren't beholden to enforcement the way that trademark holders are. It's perfectly reasonable and legally consistent for a copyright holder to prioritize egregious violations (like TRUTH's) while ignoring smaller ones (like Joe Schmoe forgetting to publish his tuning changes).
- randombits0 5y ago
  That not withstanding, copyright applies only to that which is copyrightable. One may not express rights they do not have. Portions modified may not be subject to any form of copyright protection if the original code and/or modifications are purely functional. Purely functional expressions that lack any creative element are not copyrightable to begin with.
  - woodruffw 5y ago
    > Portions modified may not be subject to any form of copyright protection if the original code and/or modifications are purely functional. Purely functional expressions that lack any creative element are not copyrightable to begin with. This is a more abstract observation than is perhaps relevant to the situation at hand, which involves a group of people modifying software components that the current body of software copyright law would not consider "purely functional."

4 ms·

So technically this could mean that every person that has launched a mastadon instance needs to make a copy and release to the world our config files, passwords

by stevenicr 5y ago

woodruffw 5y ago
Your passwords and databases are probably not considered code, whereas a DSL that happens to be used for configuration would be. But let's be clear: copyright holders get to decide when they enforce their copyrights. They aren't beholden to enforcement the way that trademark holders are. It's perfectly reasonable and legally consistent for a copyright holder to prioritize egregious violations (like TRUTH's) while ignoring smaller ones (like Joe Schmoe forgetting to publish his tuning changes).
- randombits0 5y ago
  That not withstanding, copyright applies only to that which is copyrightable. One may not express rights they do not have. Portions modified may not be subject to any form of copyright protection if the original code and/or modifications are purely functional. Purely functional expressions that lack any creative element are not copyrightable to begin with.
  - woodruffw 5y ago
    > Portions modified may not be subject to any form of copyright protection if the original code and/or modifications are purely functional. Purely functional expressions that lack any creative element are not copyrightable to begin with. This is a more abstract observation than is perhaps relevant to the situation at hand, which involves a group of people modifying software components that the current body of software copyright law would not consider "purely functional."