Redistributing a GPLv3 software - General Questions and Answers

Hi guys,
Feel free to redirect me to the right forum.
I downloaded an Android game on Google Play the other day and visited the author's site. His source code was made available as open source and under GPLv3 license.
So I decided to take the code, make the game easier and redistribute it on Google Play.
One week after, Google Play shuts down my app with this as the reason:
"Violation of the intellectual property and impersonation or deceptive behavior provisions of the Content Policy. Please refer to the IP infringement and impersonation policy help article for more information."
I'm not sure I understand GPLv3 properly. I would like to know what I did wrong. I thought I was free to modify the code and redistribute it. All I can think of is, maybe, it's because I I had not posted yet my source code, but I was ready to give it to whomever asks for it. I was thinking maybe I forgot to modify the "About" box and mentionned in that box that I modified the code. I am still am very confused about this and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Related

An application challenge for an altrustic purpose!

Hi.
I am using an HTC HD2.
So here's the challenge - or maybe not!
These guys (communicationautism.com) released PixTalk (see there download section), a WM application for children with Autism to allow them to communicate. The dark side (aka IPhone) have released a commercial application called Grace which achieves the same thing.
PixTalk is Open Source and the licence allows modification and redistribution.
The issue is this: I have been advised that it will not run on 800x420 screens (which is the HTC HD2). I get the following script:
ArgumentOutOfRangeException at System .IO.FileStream_Position(Int64value)
at Pixtalk>Form1.ctor()
at Pixtalk.Program.Main()
I am running it on an HTC HD2 1024Mhz with 800x480 display.
OS version is 5.2.23554.
I am running Microsoft .NET CF 3.5 (which is built into a customized ROM).
One thing I guarantee - I will be donating to the first person who can assist me as I have a 4 year old with Autism and I don't want to buy an IPhone!
Thanks in advance
Andrew
i'm sorry i'm not a developer, otherwise i would help you surely to make the app work, without any donation of course, the biggest one is the opportunity to can help your son.
bye!
ajt320 said:
ArgumentOutOfRangeException at System .IO.FileStream_Position(Int64value)
at Pixtalk>Form1.ctor()
at Pixtalk.Program.Main()
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't sound like a screen related error, sounds more like you have a file that its trying to open and it's either missing or corrupt. You say it's open source, but I don't see the source available on their site ... do you have it or can point me to it? If so I'd be happy to take a peek.
-Chuck
I only have the CAB file and associated images at this stage. I have requested the program co-ordinator for the code and will get back to you as soon as I have it.
EDIT: Sorry it is not a CAB but an EXE.
The licence reads:
PixTalk is a software application for Windows Mobile 6 that allows people to communicate using icons. PixTalk has been funded by a grant from Microsoft Research.
Copyright (C)
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA
This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the BSD License as published by the Open Source Initiative.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
See the Open Source Initiative OSI - The BSD License: Licensing
for more details opensource.org/licenses/bsd-license.php
Although I've never developed for compact .net, if you will be able to obtain the source, I'll do my best to help.
My uncle has Autism, Just wanted to thank you for putting this up!
Much respect!
I would donate to help If i wasnt so broke with 11 month old son..
Best of luck in your development!
I'll happily look at this once the source is available.
No donations required - I'm just a sucker for a good cause.
ajt320 said:
ArgumentOutOfRangeException at System .IO.FileStream_Position(Int64value)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it seems that the app tries to read data from a position in the file which is beyond the filesize.
e.g.
the file being read has a size of 2.000 bytes, and the app tries to read from position 2.500.
hebbe said:
it seems that the app tries to read data from a position in the file which is beyond the filesize.
e.g.
the file being read has a size of 2.000 bytes, and the app tries to read from position 2.500.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or trying to read from a file that doesn't exist, and is being created by the stream object (whatever type of stream it actually is). It's pretty much guesswork until we see the source code.
Thanks
Thanks everyone for your great support.
The source code is on its way!
I just have to agree that the fix or updated version will be available to communicationautism.com for public download off their site.
The developer has said full credit will be attributable to those of you involved in the fix. I am hoping that will be some good cudos for you guys and gals!
ajt320 said:
Thanks everyone for your great support.
The source code is on its way!
I just have to agree that the fix or updated version will be available to communicationautism.com for public download off their site.
The developer has said full credit will be attributable to those of you involved in the fix. I am hoping that will be some good cudos for you guys and gals!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one mate. It'll be like a busman's holiday
Source Code
Here is the source code for Pix Talk.
Please read the earlier posts for the condition attached to further development and also what the problem is all about.
rapidshare.com/files/381341025/pixtalk.zip
Please feel free to PM me with any questions or requests for other information.
To give you some idea of the IPhone applications check out: //blog.steventroughtonsmith.com/2010/03/grace-picture-exchange-for-non-verbal.html#comments
Thanks in advance to all who contribute to this extremely beneficial application. I will ensure that your names are revered far and wide!!!!!
Still Going
Hi all.
johncmolyneux is on board and it would be good to get some other members involved - good for the developers and good for XDA as this is truly a worthwhile application.
HELP
OK.
John M is unfortunately unable to assist.
Is there anyone else who may be interested?
Can you please re-upload the source code because it is no longer available for download.
Good Luck
Hope someone can help you with the app
Source Code
Hi.
Here is the code:
http://rapidshare.com/files/412861773/pixtalk.zip
Let me know if you need any assistance in any way whatsoever and I will see if I can oblige.
Thanks for your interest!
Please check your PM's. I have uploaded an initial working version for you to test.
Once any problems are fixed I will provide a public download link as well as a link to the source.
Thanks
Thanks a bunch!
Have downloaded and will test first thing in the morning.
Mate I appreciate the time you have put into it so far!
Greetz
Where can I find this updated version
Hi,
I just downloaded the app from the site, and seem to have similar issues. This is for my autistic son. I found this thread. Can I get the updated app - also for the HD2. I do have dev experience too, so if the source code is available, and the problem is not fixed, I can look at help at fixing it too.

TaintDroid source code released

Hi everyone,
I apologize if if this is not the appropriate place to post this info, but I thought it would be of interest to some people here. You may have seen stories in the news recently about the privacy-monitoring extension for Android called TaintDroid that was developed by researchers at Penn State, Intel Labs, and Duke University. An excellent summary can be found on Ars Technica.
The reason I'm posting to this forum is that we are proud to have made our source code available last night. If you want to play around with the code, you can find it at the TaintDroid website (search "taintdroid appanalysis"). Along with links to the source code, you will find instructions for getting the code up and running on a Nexus One. We have also set up a Google Group for users who want to discuss anything related to the project.
Our only caveats are that we are merely researchers so 1) you use the code at your own risk, and 2) we do not have the resources to offer proper support. We hope that by releasing the code to the public a self-sustaining community of interested users will form.
We hope that you find our code interesting and useful. Happy hacking!
-landon
Thanks for releasing the code. Look forward to using it on an incredible rom soon.
http://appanalysis.org/tdro1d.html
I'm assuming that's the link. Couple of questions.
1.I see it's on 2.1 rom, does it work with 2.2? Especially as it uses the 2.6.32 kernel.
2.Since the Desire is basically a Nexus One with sense, has it been tested on that platform or with sense?
Thanks for releasing the source and instructions!
This is what Android needs, as Google is not taking good care of the privacy of it's users.
It's impossible to install apps now, because most of them want really wide rights, but you have no idea what they do with those rights.
TaintDroid at least gives a possibility to peek into what is being leaked.
Soon some of the app makers will start to encrypt their calls to try and and mask what they are leaking. If/when this happens, it should be a warning sign to users about that particular app.

[APP][2.1+] Gidder - Git server for Android

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The project in GutHub: https://github.com/antoniy/gidder
Gidder is a Git server implementation for Android that works on top of a SSH server. Access your code anywhere anytime using your Android device.
Gidder is a unique product in that it combines two very complementary ideas. The distributed version control that Git provides and the mobility of any Android device. As a reasult, you can store your projects safely and conveniently in your pocket device and just as easy access them using any WiFi connection. It doesn't matter if you are on a business trip in a hotel, at the office or at home, you can always sync your work using your Android device.
What's the fun of something if you can't share if with anyone else? That's why Gidder provides multiple users that can access any repository they have permissions to. You might want a colleague to be able to just peek at your code - no worries, Gidder gives you the ability to separate permissions to Pull and Push&Pull permissions. So with a simple click you can assign read-only permission to anyone.
Features:
Git server over SSH for accessing your repositories.
Support Push, Pull, Fetch and Clone Git operations which is all you need to achieve successful distribution with Git.
User management - create, create from contact, edit, delete, activate/deactivate, set/remove permissions to repositories.
Repository management - create, edit, delete, activate/deactivate, set/remove permissions for users.
Dynamic DNS integration. A convinient way to use the system when working in different WiFi networks and having a different IP on your laptop. By using Dynamic DNS you can easily access a server without worrying if your Git remote have the correct IP for the current WiFi network. Currently supported providers are No-IP and DynDNS.
Auto update Dynamic DNS hostname when WiFi is On.
Manually update Dynamic DNS with an update button.
Autostart/Autostop server on WiFi On/Off.
Configure server port.
Enable/Disable status bar notifications.
Application widget for Start/Stop the server.
Connection problem
Hi!
Must say that it's a great idea! I use git for storing all my document, regardless if I'm using my laptop or office computer. Adding the phone offers true mobility.
However, I'm having problem accessing the server:
~/git/AppData$ git push gidder
Permission denied (password).
fatal: The remote end hung up unexpectedly
After stopping the server I get the following:
~/git/AppData$ git push gidder
ssh: connect to host 10.10.10.170 port 2222: Connection refused
fatal: The remote end hung up unexpectedly
Which means that I'm talking to the right server. I never get prompted for the password, though. I'm pretty experienced with both ssh and git.
Keep up the good work!
cholmer said:
Hi!
Must say that it's a great idea! I use git for storing all my document, regardless if I'm using my laptop or office computer. Adding the phone offers true mobility.
However, I'm having problem accessing the server:
~/git/AppData$ git push gidder
Permission denied (password).
fatal: The remote end hung up unexpectedly
After stopping the server I get the following:
~/git/AppData$ git push gidder
ssh: connect to host 10.10.10.170 port 2222: Connection refused
fatal: The remote end hung up unexpectedly
Which means that I'm talking to the right server. I never get prompted for the password, though. I'm pretty experienced with both ssh and git.
Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your feedback! Can you provide me with additional information (steps to reproduce for example) so I can see if something is going wrong?
~antoniy~
Noob
oliuf4e said:
Thank you for your feedback! Can you provide me with additional information (steps to reproduce for example) so I can see if something is going wrong?
~antoniy~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick reply! Thanks!
The problem was completely on my side! My /etc/ssh/ssh_config was configured "PasswordAuthentication no", so it didn't allow password based authentication. I usually use pubkey for my gitrepo, so I didn't know I had that. Do you support pubkey?
I hope that someone could learn from my mistake. I found the problem by trying ssh alone like this:
ssh -v -v -v 10.10.10.170 -p 2222 -l guest
cholmer said:
Quick reply! Thanks!
The problem was completely on my side! My /etc/ssh/ssh_config was configured "PasswordAuthentication no", so it didn't allow password based authentication. I usually use pubkey for my gitrepo, so I didn't know I had that. Do you support pubkey?
I hope that someone could learn from my mistake. I found the problem by trying ssh alone like this:
ssh -v -v -v 10.10.10.170 -p 2222 -l guest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you solve this issue. Regarding public key authentication support the answer is yes, of course I had this idea but for now I don't have nice and simple way to present this functionality. Because of the fact it's a pure client-side app and there are no back-end servers involved there ain't simple ways (at least to my knowledge) to transfer and manage pub keys for the application. Of course this feature is still in the queue for future implementations.
~antoniy~
Good stuff
Definitely a good start and very useful. It did take a bit of work to get going but not too bad... specifically I had to edit my local ~/.ssh/config to allow password auth with the dyndns host and had to do "git push origin master" after cloning the repo locally... but once that was done things worked great.
A couple of feature requests...
1. It would be great if I could set the location of the repo on my device. I have a galaxy tab 2 with a large capacity sdcard, but gidder sets the repo up on internal storage.
2. It would be great to be able to pull up a history of the repo on the device. Just a summary to see where things are at.
jasnell said:
Definitely a good start and very useful. It did take a bit of work to get going but not too bad... specifically I had to edit my local ~/.ssh/config to allow password auth with the dyndns host and had to do "git push origin master" after cloning the repo locally... but once that was done things worked great.
A couple of feature requests...
1. It would be great if I could set the location of the repo on my device. I have a galaxy tab 2 with a large capacity sdcard, but gidder sets the repo up on internal storage.
2. It would be great to be able to pull up a history of the repo on the device. Just a summary to see where things are at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, about the first request - I'll add a configuration option to specify where the repositories should be saved. When I got some time, I'll make it happen.
Regarding the repository browsing on the device - I'm not planning this for now. Don't have much time. You can use Roberto's app AGit to access repository on Gidder and browse the log as a workaround.
~antoniy~
This app is very interesting! I'll try it tomorrow, but already rated it on gplay. if it realy that app how i think i will donate it
Two Feature Request
This is a really awsome app. I've been stalling making it myself since I didn't have the time. It really needs a hotspot mode it isn't hard to implement, and maybe a tasker plugin.
If you need help on this, I wouldn't mind helping I just don't have the time to do it full-time. Since I'm trying to start releasing abunch of apps right now.
First off not trying to be an ass, sadly this is how it will come off.
I am not looking for the source code of the app but I am looking for the source code of the gpl components of this app
which must be hosted by the person who created the app upon any form of distribution.
The only way you would have to also release the source code of the app is if you statically linked to the git code or
any other gpl code.
currently from what I can tell you have violated the GPL License and if not corrected with in two weeks of now, I
will report this to the FSF.
devilsclaw said:
First off not trying to be an ass, sadly this is how it will come off.
I am not looking for the source code of the app but I am looking for the source code of the gpl components of this app
which must be hosted by the person who created the app upon any form of distribution.
The only way you would have to also release the source code of the app is if you statically linked to the git code or
any other gpl code.
currently from what I can tell you have violated the GPL License and if not corrected with in two weeks of now, I
will report this to the FSF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for supporting the open source community that well. Hope some day you'll realise freeware software is another branch of that same side and you may support it as well. After all some people are investing their free time to do something for the community (and yes, it seams other people are playing "badass" online).
Never the less, there is a plan to go open source but that won't happen until I prepare the code so other people can understand it easily. And that is not and will never be related with what you're trying to do. To be honest people like you pushes me away from contributing than the other way around.
Thank you for your post, hope you're happy for what you're doing.
Regards,
Antoniy
Antoniy I wouldn't take offence to what devilsclaw has said in fact he's trying to help you out although IMHO his approach is a little heavy handed, but that's just my opinion. If he's going to threaten people with the FSF then IMHO it's up to him to try to help people comply with the licences, if they refuse the help then reporting them is probably appropriate.
(Disclaimer: I might not be 100% correct so please do some googling to be sure).
When you make use of libraries that have a GPL licence it means your code automatically has the GPL licence applied to it and have to make the source to your code available...hence why GPL is loved as much as it is hated. If you'd used LGPL licenced code then things would be a little different. Making the code available doesn't mean you have to host it somewhere or make it particularly public but you would have to provide it on request. So for instance if I emailed you and asked for your source you'd have to make it available to me I.e. email me a zip of the source, provide somewhere where I can download it from, etc. (don't worry I'm not going to do that ) because of the GPL licence.
I realise you have pride in the software you write and hence only want to make it "public" when you're happy with it and you can stick with that plan, as long as you provide the current source in whatever state it is in to anyone that actually requests it.
Hopefully this won't put you off as I think your application is great from watching your video and I'll be giving it a try, the fact it's free is fantastic!! All you need to do is probably do some research on what licences are applied to the code you're using and see how that affects your code. Be careful it's a bit of a minefield and there are plenty of misinterpretations/misundertandings out there. Once you've got a grip on what the different licences mean and the consequences of them then hopefully you'll be happy contributing in the future.
As a side-note, making the source available for your application will probably mean more people will use it. Source code is quite a sensitive thing to be storing in something you don't have 100% trust in, providing the source to your application will mean that users can establish that trust. As one of the review comments points out on Google Play they want to be sure the code they're storing through your app isn't being transmitted somewhere else without their knowledge.
HTH
mobby
oliuf4e said:
Thank you for supporting the open source community that well. Hope some day you'll realise freeware software is another branch of that same side and you may support it as well. After all some people are investing their free time to do something for the community (and yes, it seams other people are playing "badass" online).
Never the less, there is a plan to go open source but that won't happen until I prepare the code so other people can understand it easily. And that is not and will never be related with what you're trying to do. To be honest people like you pushes me away from contributing than the other way around.
Thank you for your post, hope you're happy for what you're doing.
Regards,
Antoniy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mobby001 said:
Antoniy I wouldn't take offence to what devilsclaw has said in fact he's trying to help you out although IMHO his approach is a little heavy handed, but that's just my opinion. If he's going to threaten people with the FSF then IMHO it's up to him to try to help people comply with the licences, if they refuse the help then reporting them is probably appropriate.
(Disclaimer: I might not be 100% correct so please do some googling to be sure).
When you make use of libraries that have a GPL licence it means your code automatically has the GPL licence applied to it and have to make the source to your code available...hence why GPL is loved as much as it is hated. If you'd used LGPL licenced code then things would be a little different. Making the code available doesn't mean you have to host it somewhere or make it particularly public but you would have to provide it on request. So for instance if I emailed you and asked for your source you'd have to make it available to me I.e. email me a zip of the source, provide somewhere where I can download it from, etc. (don't worry I'm not going to do that ) because of the GPL licence.
I realise you have pride in the software you write and hence only want to make it "public" when you're happy with it and you can stick with that plan, as long as you provide the current source in whatever state it is in to anyone that actually requests it.
Hopefully this won't put you off as I think your application is great from watching your video and I'll be giving it a try, the fact it's free is fantastic!! All you need to do is probably do some research on what licences are applied to the code you're using and see how that affects your code. Be careful it's a bit of a minefield and there are plenty of misinterpretations/misundertandings out there. Once you've got a grip on what the different licences mean and the consequences of them then hopefully you'll be happy contributing in the future.
As a side-note, making the source available for your application will probably mean more people will use it. Source code is quite a sensitive thing to be storing in something you don't have 100% trust in, providing the source to your application will mean that users can establish that trust. As one of the review comments points out on Google Play they want to be sure the code they're storing through your app isn't being transmitted somewhere else without their knowledge.
HTH
mobby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Mobby and thank you for your response.
I'm aware with the differences in the licenses and the fact is - I'm not using any GPL licensed libraries. The libraries I'm using are Apache 2 License, MIT License and EDL and I'm not forced by any of those to provide my code to anyone. devilsclaw is just confused and want to educate people the strangest way possible. But anyway. My missing is that I have to list the name of the libraries and their licenses somewhere in my app - that's correct and should be fixed some time in the future. My app is not forced to be open-source and due to that fact and many more I still do not intend to make it open source.
Yes, I'm aware people needs to feel safe for their code, but being open source is not a MUST, it's a bonus that people should recognize. You cannot just go around telling people do this and do that without first stop and consider that you're talking about their time and money and also without consider that you might actually be wrong.
Anyway, let's leave it at that. When I find the time needed I'll release the app open source because there is no reason for me to keep it closed. It's just a tool I build for myself and share with others.
Hope you'll enjoy using it.
Regards,
Antoniy
Ah that's cool, glad the licences are not a problem.
Oh definitely open source is not a must and I hope you don't think I was implying that you must open source your code. I was just offering my opinion that it might be good.
In either case you've created a great app and I will certainly give it a try and leave a review on Google Play at some point.
oliuf4e said:
Hello Mobby and thank you for your response.
I'm aware with the differences in the licenses and the fact is - I'm not using any GPL licensed libraries. The libraries I'm using are Apache 2 License, MIT License and EDL and I'm not forced by any of those to provide my code to anyone. devilsclaw is just confused and want to educate people the strangest way possible. But anyway. My missing is that I have to list the name of the libraries and their licenses somewhere in my app - that's correct and should be fixed some time in the future. My app is not forced to be open-source and due to that fact and many more I still do not intend to make it open source.
Yes, I'm aware people needs to feel safe for their code, but being open source is not a MUST, it's a bonus that people should recognize. You cannot just go around telling people do this and do that without first stop and consider that you're talking about their time and money and also without consider that you might actually be wrong.
Anyway, let's leave it at that. When I find the time needed I'll release the app open source because there is no reason for me to keep it closed. It's just a tool I build for myself and share with others.
Hope you'll enjoy using it.
Regards,
Antoniy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mobby001 said:
Ah that's cool, glad the licences are not a problem.
Oh definitely open source is not a must and I hope you don't think I was implying that you must open source your code. I was just offering my opinion that it might be good.
In either case you've created a great app and I will certainly give it a try and leave a review on Google Play at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for joining the discussion and for sharing your opinion. I really appreciate it and I don't think you were pressing me to go open source or anything, so no worries. Hope you'll enjoy using the app.
Regards,
Antoniy
Feature request
I have been looking for this for ages as i have an android tv box connected to a couple of disks with an ssh server that i'm using as a NAS and always wished i could have some version control on it too. Sadly my tv box connects via cables rather than wireless so Gidder will not work in its current state. Any chance of cable support in the future?
thomaskwscott said:
I have been looking for this for ages as i have an android tv box connected to a couple of disks with an ssh server that i'm using as a NAS and always wished i could have some version control on it too. Sadly my tv box connects via cables rather than wireless so Gidder will not work in its current state. Any chance of cable support in the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't plan to support that feature because it's wished from just a couple of users and currently I just don't have the time. If you're android developer I could share the code with you and you can add the feature yourself.
Many thanks
oliuf4e said:
I don't plan to support that feature because it's wished from just a couple of users and currently I just don't have the time. If you're android developer I could share the code with you and you can add the feature yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm a developer by trade and dabble in android so would love to have a go. Obviously anything i come up with i'll merge back in.
thomaskwscott said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm a developer by trade and dabble in android so would love to have a go. Obviously anything i come up with i'll merge back in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds great. Please send me a personal message with your email and bitbucket account.
~Antoniy~
Hi,
I would want to transfer my repositories/users to another phone running Gidder. I've copied the Gidder directory from one phone to the other but when I run Gidder, the repositories/accounts aren't showing up.
Are there any other files I need to copy from the other phone?

Untangle Block from link posted by developer

I recently purchased an Ainol Novo 8, and decided to do a search and see what ROM's are out there for the device. Google came with the below thread at the top of the list. When I clicked on the link provided by the dev, apparently which goes to his website, containing his ROM for the device. My Untangle server blocked the website with a Malicious Content Warning. See the attached screenshot of the warning, below is the link to the thread and a link to Untangle in case you are not familiar with it. I have used Untangle for many years, and have never had a false positive, it is open source and a commercial application, they are very diligent in their work.
This is disconcerting, if this developer is attempting to install malicious code into browser's that visit his website, what is he putting in his rom's? I certainly hope it is a false positive, Administrators can certainly contact Untangle directly and get their opinion. I think for right now, I will stay away from this website and it's developers, until I am fully assured that no malicious intent is intended.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1478734
http://www.untangle.com/

[Q] Rules of Open Source development

Hi!
After only being a user for a long time, I've recently begun to develop for Android as well, and I think that I have identified quite a few niches that could use better apps. However, I've never collaborated on an Open Source project, and I'm really unsure what the written and unwritten rules of the subculture are. Could anyone point me in the direction of good resources to learn about them? I know I can probably find those through Google, but I wouldn't know if I'd end up on any site owned by Stallman or Shuttleworth and I'd rather be part of the mainstream, so to speak.
To indicate what kind of questions I'd like to have answered, without requiring anyone to answer them here: What level of expertise is required? Can I just join anyone and upload to their repository, relying on them to sort out the parts they want? When can or should I fork a project? When is it considered rude to take code snippets from someone? How sure can I be that the project's owner won't change the license and steal my code? How would those questions be answered if money is involved? Is it considered reasonable to make an Open Source application that people pay for in the Play Store? How would I handle contributions to such a project? What would be the best license to ensure that I both contribute to the Open Source movement and protect myself against people stealing code? (I. e. just forking it and slapping their name on it.) And many, many more - as I said, I'm really unsure how to start out with this.
Thanks very much in advance!
Regards,
David
Maybe I can help you on a few of those points. First off, feel free to fork anything you feel like, whenever you feel like something needs to change. Also feel free to push any changes you make back to the original project. The project owner can decide what to merge in. As for lisening, please note Im NOT A LAWYER, however, I think I can offer some general knowledge. If code is under a typical open source license, the code at that particular point in time is free to be viewed by anyone. A lot of open source licenses, though not all, are considered 'copy-left', in that any code DERIVED from the liscensed code also has to follow the same license (GPL comes to mind). This helps from people 'stealing' your code at a later point under a closed license. As for taking code snippets, it depends on the license of the code. If you grab a piece of code from a GPL codebase, whatever you're using that code in also has to be GPL licensed. You are in essence taking their code, and modified it. Learning more about different open source licenses might be something to look into, depending on how far you want to delve into this As for making people pay on Play store for open source projects, its certainly acceptable. A lot of people make money from open source software by prividing some form of 'support'. Whether thats tech support, or whether its compiling, packaging, and making it available (as you might do for an android app) you are providing some sort of service aside from the actual code that people will pay for. I've seen a few projects go this route. Hope this gives you more answers than it does questions! The OSS community I've found to be a pretty easy going group of people, so long as you follow a little common courtesy, and have a bit of common sense. Cheers!
Thanks a lot for your reply! It has certainly helped me to make my mind at ease - I know that Open Source people can often be _very_ friendly and open, but it seems like you really do not want to get on their bad side if you intend to be a developer. That's also why I especially worry about being rude, not about doing something illegal - the licenses themselves seem to be quite permissive.
Quick followup question on the money thing, though - is it accepted by Google if I offer a paid app in the Play Store and at the same time free on F-Droid? Or would I have to ask someone to compile and upload it there without my official participation? Because that would kinda be the ideal model for me - Open Source, free app on F-Droid and sideloaded, "lite" and paid versions in the Play Store. Something like that would be good to know before I actually begin thinking about deploying some app.

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