[sword-devel] copyleft question: is there 'EasyEnglish' info about ramifications of using sword-api for app or front-end (gnu-virus)

[Lynn Allan]

In looking over the past year or so of the JSword archives, I came across a
very long thread related to proper use of the sword-api to stay within gnu
copyleft (re: Mike Kienenberger)

Inquiring (newbie) minds want to know:

Does sword have info in "plain english" that provides specifics about the
copyleft ramifications of using TSP? I'm aware that there is a gnu-legal
forum, but I don't have a law degree. (Is there an EasyEnglish version? :-)

So what, you ask? Moving from the abstract to the concrete:
If this scribbler ever gets up-to-speed with TSP, I hope to eventually
submit a "plug-in" module for Scripture memorization. Based on the thread
referenced above, I wonder if my current use of mfc would violate
copyleft??? Certainly, InVerse can't be completely rebuilt from open source
(mfc code is available ... perhaps I'm ok? but it's not "free as in beer")

I would speculate I'm not the only one that should be concerned about this.
Mr. Kienenberger had enough experience with copyleft to "cut his losses" and
give up before too great an expenditure of his time. (Sigh. He sounded like
he could have made some valuable contributions.) A worst case scenario is
someone proceeding along, and then at the end realizing that their situation
prevents them from legally/ethicially using TSP.  That would certainly be a
"forehead, meet palm" situtation. :-(

TIA,
Lynn