vbhacks-germany.de

[AlexanderT]

The most interesting part about this dicussion is whether some vB hacks fall under GPL or not. I just downloaded vbXirc and had a quick look at the sources. Look at this:

vBXirc 2.5.2 # ||
----------------------------------------------------------------
A Geeky Designs Production
Version 2.5.2 # ||
PHP Code by: Zachery # ||
Templates by: Zachery
This may not be redistributated without Geeky Designs Consent
Copyright 2003 - 2004 Geeky Designs

Not only does Zachery fail to mention the original copyright of PIRC, but he is in fact violating the original copyright. GPL clearly contains "constraints against constraints." Section two of the GPL allows for modifications and distribution of a GPL-licensed work if the licensee causes any work to be licensed as a whole at no charge to all third parties under the terms of the GPL. More so, if the licensee includes any GPL code in another program, the entire program becomes subject to the terms of the GPL. Violation of these restrictions may subject the offender to civil and criminal penalties for copyright infringement.

I am sure Zachery is not the only "criminal" here infringing copyrights. Moderators of this community should keep a closer eye on these important issues.