[sword-devel] Open Content Creation

[Paul Gear]

Jerry Hastings wrote:
> 
> Sorry I was not clear. My point was not about GPL license. In stead of
> saying "open source" I should have just said "open." I meant "open" in a
> looser way than just GPL. I think a lot of open source projects work
> because they are open in a larger way than they need in order to just be
> GPL. What would happen to a lot of the projects if they said something like
> "only Linux purists can help, no one who even touched a Windows machine
> will be allowed." Not only would you lose the unholy windows people but you
> would lose a lot of people that want something more open. People that
> believe in openness. I think Sword would lose a lot of people that want it
> to be open if someone starts determining who is pure enough to help.

I agree, but how far do you take it?  Do we let Buddhists, Muslims, and
New Agers in?  My gut feel is no, but it's very hard to draw the line. 
We've already got a Christadelphian - do we allow JWs and Mormons, too? 
I really don't know what to do about this issue.

Darwin is right - as the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to
guard against heresy.  But how can the line be drawn?  That is a really
tough one, especially when we want to remain "open" (in your "looser"
sense).

> Another thing. Though this is not the point I was making, the fact that
> Sword is GPL means that even those some would try to keep out could still
> do what they want anyway. They just wouldn't do it on the list.

That's right.

Paul
---------
"He must become greater; i must become less." - John 3:30
http://www.bigfoot.com/~paulgear