[Freepats] Re: GPL for sound samples

[Roberto Gordo Saez]

Note: This message is for RMS. I'm also sending a copy to the freepats
mailing list.

On 4/13/06, Marcos Guglielmetti Gmail <marcospcmusica at gmail.com> wrote:
> Freepats people is studing how to release the next sound samples
> packages versions in their collection. So they evaluated the
> possibility about using a "Public Domain" licence by default. But now
> they are convinced that GPL will be fitting his goals.

First of all, we all know that you are usually busy, so we thank you
for your time. I'll try to be brief.

Freepats is trying to make a collection of free (as freedom) musical
instrument samples. They are not software, but can be used with free
software (sequencers, digital instruments, audio editors and other
specialized software...) as "building blocs" to produce music.

This is an excerpt taken from http://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.html

"Licenses for Other Types of Works
[...]
We don't take the position that artistic or entertainment works must
be free, but if you want to make one free, we recommend the Free Art
License."

The Free Art License looks good, but in this particular case, samples
are not the final work; they are the base to produce artistic or
entertainment works. We can use the GPL for them, with an exemption
clause to avoid compositions be covered by GPL, but I am personally
worried by some issues:

- Compatibility with other licenses. I think mixing different sounds
should be not limited. It can be very difficult to use only GPL
compatible sounds on a composition, and it is likely people would
avoid to use GPL sounds in this case. Does the LGPL will help for
this?

- The terms given on GPL may not be directly applicable to sounds.
Compilers, executable, linking, and other terms can be interpreted in
different ways, and terms like public performance, broadcast or
interpretation are missing. I would prefer to have a single and clear
meaning. What can be done? Should we use a clarification notice to
match the terms of the GPL?

In case you don't have time to discuss this with us, it would be good
if you can point us to other people at the FSF who can help us with
this kind of questions.

Regards.