Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site mit-eddie.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!mit-eddie!rms@mit-prep From: rms@mit-prep Newsgroups: net.emacs Subject: honor Message-ID: <4489@mit-eddie.UUCP> Date: Tue, 18-Jun-85 02:57:42 EDT Article-I.D.: mit-eddi.4489 Posted: Tue Jun 18 02:57:42 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 19-Jun-85 03:32:28 EDT Sender: daemon@mit-eddi.UUCP Organization: MIT, Cambridge, MA Lines: 49 From: Richard M. Stallman I can't understand how honor could require me to replace any of the code I am distributing in GNU Emacs. Using the modified Gosling display code in GNU Emacs is not immoral. Redistributing any code is always morally good. It's not disobeying the spirit of the law. (We know we really do have permission.) It's not disobeying the letter of the law. (That is, we expect we could win if we were sued. That's the most anyone can ever say.) It's not breaking any promise Fen or I made. Where is the dishonor? Here is why I don't want to rewrite the display code: Any display code would have a considerable resemblance to that display code, just by virtue of doing the same job. Without any clear idea of exactly how much difference there would have to be to reassure you users, I cannot tell whether the rewrite would accomplish that. The law is not any guidance here. Just because something is legal doesn't mean you won't be scared--if you are scared now. Writing display code that is significantly different is not easy. I don't want to do that much work which is not really necessary, just to reassure someone, when I can't be sure it will even do that. The real problem is not a legal one; it is that some of you might be intimidated. You are the only ones who stand to lose anything. Perhaps some of you would like to write a replacement for the display code? You are the best one to know what it takes to reassure you. There is another point in favor of this. It is that the people who think a certain piece of work is necessary are the ones who ought to get it done. Remember, I have written GNU Emacs as a volunteer, trying to serve the public. Many people like it, but some don't. If you aren't satisfied with it, you can't blame me for that. I did a lot for you just taking it as far as I have. If you want something that I have not done, you should take some responsibility and do it. Zimmerman, are you interested?