Forwarded message:

Date: Thu, 08 Oct 1998 13:12:48 +0100 From: "Frank O'Dwyer" <fod@brd.ie> Subject: Re: propose: `cypherpunks license' (Re: Wanted: Twofish source code)

Well then, "Cypherpunks write code". Wide deployment of crypto components in closed-source programs (especially by cluebags) is neither necessary nor sufficient to achieve "more strong crypto" in the sense that Cypherpunks mean it, in my opinion. (Yes, it's better than nothing, but not much better.)

...

The conclusion in the GNU vs. BSD/SSLeay/etc. license debate should be clear.

Well, it clearly isn't, as evidenced by the large number of fairly bright people arguing about it. :)

Which is why this discussion is a perfect example of why thematic or monotonic solutions don't work for 'people' systems. The GPL folks want credit, reward, and a say in the life cycle of their work. The BSD folks aren't interested so much in their own credit as an economic incentive to distribute and develop code. While the PD group cares not one whit about credit, economics, or distribution, just so it's available. Then there is the 'other license' group which without specificying the prefered license is a smorgasboard of beliefs and tastes piled into one category because of a lack of other clear characteristics. Clearly implying that even the GPL-BSD-PD-Other categories are insufficient to reasonably define this issue. An apparently simple but very complex set of issues and goals. It simply must be admitted that one license won't fulfill any groups goals in toto, cypherpunk goals or not. What I find really interesting about this discussion is the clear examples of inertia in personal taste regarding licenses, all the arguing in the world won't change that. The second aspect is that way people talk about 'cypherpunks' as some homogenious entity with definable and fixed goals. Especialy when it is clear cypherpunks are anything but. It's almost like some folks believe being a cypherpunk is like joining a lodge. ____________________________________________________________________ The seeker is a finder. Ancient Persian Proverb The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage@ssz.com www.ssz.com .', |||| `/( e\ 512-451-7087 -====~~mm-'`-```-mm --'- --------------------------------------------------------------------