Copyright question: Porting prosilver to vbulletin?
 

I asked about this in PHPbb's site, and wondering the same thing here. Is the vBulletin license incompatible with GPL'd skins?:confused:

Thanks for your help in this matter.

The style or concept? If the style (I'm assuming it's a style?) you'll need to ask the author for permission. If you're referring to the concept and not the style itself then go ahead. Though, the concept is not new by any means. Back in 2001 when I used UBB I had my avatars/profile bits in the right column and posts in the left column.

I know the concept is not new as because XHTML/CSS standard has been around a while. I just happen to like the style.

It's nice. :)

It would not be easy to port though, because it would mean restructuring all the templates from the ground up. It can be done, but not easy at all.

If it is not allowed, I may just do it to see if I can do it.

It's not a phpBB or vB matter. As mentioned in post #2 you'll need to have permission from the style's author if you're planning to port over the style and distribute it here. If you want to port the style as a personal project and have no intention of distributing it then enjoy. :)

I am asking around PHPbb to see if it is allowed to redistribute the style. Since it is GPL, it does give the right for others to port the style or whatever, but the problem is, since the style is being used for a proprietary software, the licenses may be incompatible. However, I have seen mods and stuff released as GPL for vB before.

I just need to find out the legalities of it all. Maybe I need to send in a support ticket to see what the specifics are.

I'm not sure why you're asking phpBB unless they were the ones who created style Prosilver?

Yeah, they made the style. I am not planning to use the graphics since it is under a different license. It just means I am using markup/css from PHPbb. I am asking them now, because I got the go-ahead from vB as far as the markup/css goes.

So I will wait for the final word from PHPbb and see what they say. If it is not allowed, I am not going to bother with all that work.

I got word from them saying they do not mind as long as I release the CSS and style as GPL and do not use the graphics since the style will have to be made from the ground up anyhow.

You're seeking the author's permission after all. I didn't realize that phpBB are the authors of Prosilver. In any case, congrats on your effort. :)

Now starts the work. I do not know if it will see the light of day because adding mods to a style such as this would be a nightmare...

I shall see how it goes.:o

Edit: Looks like a no-go. Oh well.

An alternative is to create a similar style using vB templates. Whether you want to do it purely in Tabless layout is up to you; though, a Table layout is ok too. If you're concentrating on the looks of the style then I'd pick the latter method. :)

Well, it looks like it is a no-go from vB's perspective because of the license incompatibilities. They have the last say in these matters because if I do not follow the protocol and go along with it, that could mean serious problems legally.

In the case you suggested, I think I will make my own using tables (XHTML Transitional) and make nice rounded corners using vB's templates. There are not many with rounded corners, and I have a nice idea for a style.

It will be my very first release, so hopefully it will go well.

Wanna help? haha:p

Well, I'm currently working on a project now. Possibly later. :) There are other members who are experimenting with Tabless layouts; several threads on their ongoings here and over at vB.com.

What do you mean by "no-go from vB's perspective because of the license incompatibilities"? Are you referring to the terms by phpBB (releasing the "CSS and style as GPL")? Did you get an official word from vB?

Yeah, I got the official word from vB. I am not really sure about exactly why other than since the style was grandfathered as GPL, it cannot be used in a proprietary environment and billed as GPL because of conflicts. That's the best of my understanding.

Anyway, best of luck on your projects.

Ahh, simply put...

GPL software and proprietary software can interact with one another without causing conflicts, protecting both copyrighted works and adhering with GPL's terms. I think vB is concerned with program linking and the fact that the style codes will have to be modified in order to comply to vB's system and as a result will be considered derivative work. It is defined as (Copyright Act, 17 USC 101):


GPL terms refer to derivative work as "work based". Because phpBB issued the style as GPL, whatever modifications you do to the style will be subject to GPL terms. With vB in the mix, it too will be subject to the GPL terms. Noticed how the two programs are linked to one another? Again, if you're doing it for personal use it wouldn't have been an issue. Because the style would have been distributed to the public that's where the conflict begins.

I hope that helps.

Well, there comes the paradox; if I use the GPL style for my own use, it is required I make that style available for others to use. If I do not, that violates the GPL.

So discussing this, it very clearly shows how the vB EULA does not work with the GPL.

Actually, that is a common misconception of the GPL. If it's for private use you can modify the existing or original code without being obligated to release it. From www.gnu.org:


I hope that helps too. :)

I did not get this impression from Richard Stallman himself. Interesting.

I want to release this style, so I am making my own style. It has the rounded corner look, and so far, so good. There are some issues such as making the background a rounded corner using a gradient. I have seen this done before, it is just a matter of looking at the CSS and markup for inspiration and help.

Maybe gradients is not the best way to go, but users might find it useful to have both when using the style to their own ends.

Anyway, there was a tutorial on how to make rounded corners. I am trying that.

Gradient rounded corners? Sounds promising. :)