On 11/26/2012 06:29 PM, Debarshi Ray wrote:
>>> Why does it matter? Their code hasn't changed, and
has not become GPLv3. The package is GPLv3+.
>>
>> It matters because Shotwell links to GStreamer.
>>
>> GStreamer applications either opt for LGPLv2+ or GPLv2+ with exceptions because
they might end up using proprietary or otherwise unfavourably licensed GStreamer plugins
.
>
> Which is fine, because GPLv3+ is compatible with LGPLv2+ or GPLv2+.
You missed the "proprietary or otherwise unfavourably licensed" part. :-) There
are proprietary GStreamer plugins for patent encumbered formats. eg., the MP3 codecs from
Fluendo.
Granted that Fedora does not ship such GStreamer plugins, but some of our downstreams do.
(I don't think I am allowed to get into specifics here.)
OK, so there are some proprietary or otherwise encumbered plugins
that might not be GPLv3-compatible but might be compatible with GPLv2.
And you're worried that some unwitting user might by mistake break
the terms of a licence. Or, perhaps, some downstream might not be
able to ship a plugin because they fear it's not allowed.
Plus, this practice of either using LGPLv2+ or GPLv2+ with exceptions
for applications is so widespread in GStreamer land (Totem, PiTiVi, Rhythmbox,
Transmageddon, etc.) that I was not comfortable with having a situation where the
application silently ends up under a different license due to another library.
I don't think that's a problem because the whole purpose of the
"or any later version of the GPL, at your choice" is to allow
the GPL to be updated.
Andrew.