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From: rms@mit-prep
Newsgroups: net.emacs
Subject: honor
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
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: [email protected]
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?