Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

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colin_b
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Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#1 Post by colin_b »

https://hub.packtpub.com/linux-programm ... m-project/

Linux’s move from its Code of Conflicts to a new Code of Conduct has not been received well by many of its developers. Some have threatened to pull out their blocks of code important to the project to revolt against the change.

This could have serious consequences because Linux is one of the most important pieces of open source software in the world. If threats are put into action, large parts of the internet would be left vulnerable to exploits. Applications that use Linux would be like an incomplete Jenga stack that could collapse any minute.
This video provides an explanation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sguthH0BN5o

I sincerely hope political correctness doesn't trash the Linux kernel.

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Adrian
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#2 Post by Adrian »

You cannot pull code you contributed to GPL projects, this is dumb and a waste of everybody's time.

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colin_b
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#3 Post by colin_b »

This is from a different article on the subject (it is mentioned in the video):
https://lulz.com/linux-devs-threaten-ki ... ersy-1252/

Regarding those who are ejected from the Linux Kernel Community after this CoC:

Contributors can, at any time, rescind the license grant regarding their property via written notice to those whom they are rescinding the grant from (regarding their property (code)) .

The GPL version 2 lacks a no-rescission clause (the GPL version 3 has such a clause: to attempt furnish defendants with an estoppel defense, the Linux Kernel is licensed under version 2, however, as are the past contributions).

When the defendants ignore the rescission and continue using the plaintiff's code, the plaintiff can sue under the copyright statute.

...

The Linux kernel is licensed under GPL Version 2. Under normal circumstances what this license entails is that the code can be freely copied and distributed (and also that the code must be made available with binary distributions but thats not important here). The thing that becomes confusing is that whoever authored the code still owns the actual copyright for the code they contributed. Some projects under the GPL like Emacs have a smart policy where the maintainers will not accept your code unless you also turn over complete control of the copyright. Since you own the copyright and are merely licensing it under the GPL you can technically remove that license at any time.

The GPL Ver 3 has a clause that Ver 2 lacks which dictates though that you may not rescind your license over your code. In a court, a lawyer would make the argument that since the Free Software Foundation(the license’s publisher) saw the need to add the clause, that the Ver 2 allows for rescinding of the GPL license.

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Adrian
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#4 Post by Adrian »

That's mostly FUD, when you release under GPL you give the right to everybody to use the code, you cannot retroactively limit those rights. One of the principle in law is the principle of non-retroactivity. Basically you give me a gift you cannot withdraw it later on. You sell something, you cannot back in time and charge more and so on. Yes, GPL3 clarifies that to avoid exactly this kind of FUD, no, a lawyer cannot use that in court to show what using GPL2 entails.

A more balanced analysis: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-happ ... -of-linux/

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Mauser
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#5 Post by Mauser »

This is politics. I thought politics are not allowed on the forum.
I am command line illiterate. :confused: I copy & paste to the terminal. Liars, Wiseguys, Trolls, and those without manners will be added to my ignore list. :mad:

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Adrian
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#6 Post by Adrian »

Mauser wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:19 pm This is politics. I thought politics are not allowed on the forum.
I don't think discussing the kernel license is "politics" if it is then everything is.

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Richard
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#7 Post by Richard »

Adrian wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:24 pm
Mauser wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:19 pm This is politics. I thought politics are not allowed on the forum.
I don't think discussing the kernel license is "politics" if it is then everything is.
+1
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Mauser
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#8 Post by Mauser »

O.K. I guess it's fair game then. I don't believe any of these articles about it until I see and hear what Linus Torvalds has to say about all this in a video. The way I see it is Microsoft pays these SJWs to do this to take down Linux. Microsoft's policy has always been, Embrace, Extend & Extinguish!
I am command line illiterate. :confused: I copy & paste to the terminal. Liars, Wiseguys, Trolls, and those without manners will be added to my ignore list. :mad:

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colin_b
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#9 Post by colin_b »

I didn't submit this post with the aim of being political, I was simply concerned about what I'd read.

Thanks for the replies, I hope this is nothing more than a storm in a teacup.

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asqwerth
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Re: Linux programmers opposed to new Code of Conduct threaten to pull code from project

#10 Post by asqwerth »

Mauser wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 10:08 pm O.K. I guess it's fair game then. I don't believe any of these articles about it until I see and hear what Linus Torvalds has to say about all this in a video. The way I see it is Microsoft pays these SJWs to do this to take down Linux. Microsoft's policy has always been, Embrace, Extend & Extinguish!
I think what Adrian is saying is that he wasn't even commenting on the Code of Conduct hullabaloo itself.

He was merely stating his views on how the relevant sections of the GPL2 licence should be read and whether developers could pull their code.
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