Troubled by changes to PyPI usage agreement
Howdy all, In the Subversion repository for PyPI, this revision appeared: ===== $ bzr info . Repository checkout (format: 2a) Location: repository checkout root: . checkout of branch: https://svn.python.org/packages/trunk/pypi shared repository: /home/bignose/Projects/python/pypi $ bzr log --revision 655 ------------------------------------------------------------ revno: 655 svn revno: 690 (on /trunk/pypi) committer: martin.von.loewis timestamp: Sun 2009-11-29 17:15:12 +0000 message: Update usage agreement according to Van Lindberg's instructions. ===== The revision modifies various files for the web interface, changing the wording of an agreement and requiring an “I agree” checkbox to be checked. ===== $ bzr diff --change 655 | diffstat templates/openid_return.pt | 28 +++++++++++++++++++--------- templates/register.pt | 32 +++++++++++++++++++++++--------- webui.py | 6 ++++++ 3 files changed, 48 insertions(+), 18 deletions(-) ===== The new wording is one that I can't agree to: ===== […] + <li>Content is restricted to Python packages and related information only.</li> + <li>Any content uploaded to PyPI is provided on a non-confidential basis.</li> + <li>The PSF is free to use or disseminate any content that I upload on an + unrestricted basis for any purpose. In particular, the PSF and all other + users of the web site are granted an irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, + nonexclusive license to reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, perform, + and publish the content, including in digital form.</li> + <li>I represent and warrant that I have complied with all government + regulations […] ===== The content that I submit to PyPI is licensed under specific license terms. That certainly does *not* allow the PSF to “use or disseminate any content that I upload on an unrestricted basis for any purpose”, etc.; it allows only those acts permitted by the license terms granted in the work. I have already registered an account at PyPI, and never agreed to this wording. (The previous wording was much less broad and unobjectionable.) I would not have noticed it changing if I had not been investigating the PyPI website source code. Will the PSF claim I am bound by it anyway? What about future changes? Why was this wording chosen? How does the PSF propose to reconcile this with copyright holders's chosen license terms for their work? -- \ “Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the boisterous sea | `\ of liberty.” —Thomas Jefferson | _o__) | Ben Finney
On 03-Dec-2009, Benjamin Peterson wrote:
Hi Ben, Could I ask why you cced this to python-dev, too? I thought the last string of pypi related emails, we agreed the correct place for this was the catalog-sig.
I did consider that. But it seems this change is being asserted by the PSF. At the least, it seems to need clarification by Python insiders who may not be reading the ‘catalog-sig’ forum. Sorry for not making the reason for the cross-post clearer. -- \ “I moved into an all-electric house. I forgot and left the | `\ porch light on all day. When I got home the front door wouldn't | _o__) open.” —Steven Wright | Ben Finney <ben@benfinney.id.au>
Ben Finney wrote:
On 03-Dec-2009, Benjamin Peterson wrote:
Hi Ben, Could I ask why you cced this to python-dev, too? I thought the last string of pypi related emails, we agreed the correct place for this was the catalog-sig.
I did consider that. But it seems this change is being asserted by the PSF. At the least, it seems to need clarification by Python insiders who may not be reading the ‘catalog-sig’ forum.
Sorry for not making the reason for the cross-post clearer.
Well, python-dev and the PSF have not much to do with each other, either. You can reach the PSF at psf@python.org. Regards, Martin
"Martin v. Löwis" <martin@v.loewis.de> writes:
Well, python-dev and the PSF have not much to do with each other, either. You can reach the PSF at psf@python.org.
Okay, thanks. Folks, I consider this thread on ‘python-dev’ done. I'll start again with a new thread crossing between the PSF at the address Martin gives, and ‘catalog-sig’; if you're interested, please join that thread and let this one end. -- \ “Reichel's Law: A body on vacation tends to remain on vacation | `\ unless acted upon by an outside force.” —Carol Reichel | _o__) | Ben Finney
participants (3)
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"Martin v. Löwis"
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Ben Finney
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Benjamin Peterson