Copyleft license for a plug-in (GnuPG for MS Outlook)

[Peter Gerwinski]

[The discussion is about which license is appropriate for plug-ins
to non-free software, in particular our GnuPG plug-ins for non-free
MUAs. Plain GPL does not allow linking against non-free software;
LGPL does; GPL with exception might be an appropriate compromise.]

Werner Koch wrote:
> Seems to be a GnuPG related thing, so we should better discuss this
> at projekt@gnupg.de.

I think this is a question of general interest. I am including
projekt@gnupg.de and RMS.

> > > [Providing a special exception for linking with the specific
> > > non-free program in question ...]

Werner Koch wrote:
> Peter Gerwinski wrote:
> > This would have the drawback that is makes it more difficult to
> > recycle the code in other plug-ins (e.g. for other MUAs).
> 
> Which is a Good Thing.  If there is a need for another exception one
> should decide again.

Well, this was urgent and I already suggested them to switch to the
LGPL, but for the future I find this worth discussing.

 * They are writing code intended to interface between Free Software
   and some specific non-free software.

 * We want this code to have maximum value for Free Software.

 * It is probable that the code can be recycled in other Free plug-ins
   (a) of the same type
       (in this case: GnuPG encryption for non-free MUAs), or
   (b) to the same non-free software
       (in this case: MS Outlook).

 * A specific exception clause to link this code against MS Outlook
   would allow for recycling the code in case (b). But in case (a)
   the Free Software developer would have to ask the copyright
   holder (in this case: a company which otherwise writes non-free
   software). The LGPL would allow for (a) and (b) without asking.

I think that the benefit of possibility (a) outwheights the lesser
protection the LGPL provides (compared to the GPL).

    Peter

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