GPLv2 Questions

  • Resolved samuelwight

    (@samuelwight)


    10 years, 10 months ago

    Okay, I recently read through the GNU General Public License v 2, and I have a few questions. First, my site runs on WPMU, and I plan to provide features similar to wordpress.com, though specific to education. In the GPL, it says something about distributing the source code. Do I have to provide the source code to everyone, or does distributing mean that I provide an account to users? Also, I read something about how I have to inform everyone that there is no warranty to the product. Does that apply only if I am distributing the source code, or does it apply if people are using the product? Does this keep me from supplying help to them if I want to? One more thing: how do I make sure my WordPress copyright is intact? I don’t know how to check the copyright or where to find it.

    Anyway, thanks in advance!

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

  • Do I have to provide the source code to everyone, or does distributing mean that I provide an account to users?

    No. This really only applies if you are providing copies of WordPress itself or themes & plugins for others to download.

    I have to inform everyone that there is no warranty to the product

    Sorry? Where was that?

    Does this keep me from supplying help to them if I want to?

    No.

    how do I make sure my WordPress copyright is intact?

    Just ensure that, if you do re-package themes or plugins for others to use, you include a copy of the GNU license.

    Thread Starter samuelwight

    (@samuelwight)

    Thanks. I do have one more question. I’ve been editing plugins to make them a bit easier to read. One plugin, the original Hello Dolly plugin, I’ve edited completely. Should I lost me as the plugin author for the plugins I’ve only edited the context of, or should I leave the original author there?

    You can list yourself as the author for any themes or plugins that you have customised but, from an ethical pov, you should credit the original author in the code and/or readme.txt file as well

    Thread Starter samuelwight

    (@samuelwight)

    OK. What if I edit the plugin but do not change the name? Is it necessary that I change the name?

    If you are going to re-distribute it, yes. If it’s for you own use only, I’d still suggest re-naming the plugin to avoid the risk of a plugin update wiping out your changes.

    Thread Starter samuelwight

    (@samuelwight)

    I am using a WPMU framework and people can enable or disable plugins. Would this count as re-distributing or as using it for my own use.

    That’s your own use.

    Thread Starter samuelwight

    (@samuelwight)

    Thank you!

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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