Date: Mon, 10 May 93 16:11:13 EDT
From: DJ Delorie <dj AT ctron DOT com>
To: merlin AT neuro DOT usc DOT edu
Cc: djgpp AT sun DOT soe DOT clarkson DOT edu
Subject: GPL binary/source distribution info


> Doesn't the GPL allow shipping binaries as long as sources are offered
> upon request?

The sources must be made available via the same distribution means.
Thus, if you put the binaries out via FTP, the sources must be
available via FTP from the same site, and if you USMail the binaries,
you must be prepared to USMail the sources.  You must also provide a
*written* promise to ship the sources, valid for three years.  If your
distribution can't handle a written document (FTP can't, USMail can),
then you can't do take advantage of that clause.

Given the options, I usually choose shipping the sources, since I have
a hard time keeping track of anything for three years!

Also, although the GPL doesn't restrict you from making a profit off
the binary, it does restrict the amount you can charge for the sources
(if charged for and/or distributed separately) to reasonable
distribution costs only.

DJ