Re: Dependence on nonfree software

[Ian Kelling]

Alfred M. Szmidt <ams@gnu.org> writes:

>      > From reading the requirements, I think it is already clear that
>      > requirement is for software running on your machine, is it not?
>
>    It is not explicit about this.  Some seem to have interpreted "not
>    refer the user to any nonfree software" as forbidding use with an
>    online service that is presumably implemented with nonfree software.
>
>    The clarification is to say that this clause does not apply
>    to using the program with a service.
>
>    Do you see now what I mean?
>
> I think so.  I suggest changing,
>
>   The package must not refer the user to any nonfree software; in
>   other words, it must not say anything that in our judgment is likely
>   to lead or steer users towards any nonfree software.
>
> to
>
>   The package must not refer the user to any nonfree software; in
>   other words, it must not say anything that in our judgment is likely
>   to lead or steer users towards running or installing nonfree
>   software on their machine.  E.g., communicating with network
>   services is fine since that doesn't require the user to install or
>   run nonfree software.

I like it but I would just leave the last sentence out, or I would
change it to "Communicating with a network service usually
does not steer users toward running or installing nonfree software on
their machine."

  The package must not refer the user to any nonfree software; in
  other words, it must not say anything that in our judgment is likely
  to lead or steer users towards running or installing nonfree
  software on their machine.
  
- Ian