[Foundation-l] Free Content Definition updates

Sun Jul 30 02:31:05 UTC 2006

A while ago I posted here about the Free Content Definition. Our goal
with this definition is to create a stable reference point by which we
can say that a particular work or license is considered "free" (to
use, modify, copy, modify ''and'' copy, etc.).

We're now moving closer towards a 1.0 release to this definition, and
I'd like to invite feedback from all interested parties on some recent
changes I have made to the "unstable" (openly editable) copy:

http://freecontentdefinition.org/index.php?title=Definition/Unstable&diff=2175&oldid=2108

In line with discussions and feedback:
*  I've tried to change the language so it can apply to physical works
like sculptures. For instance, the definition now refers to derivative
works instead of modified versions.
* I've sectioned the page clearly into defining separately what a free
license is and what a free work is. New conditions are now listed to
define free works. For instance, a computer program that is only
available in binary form under CC-BY would not be considered a free
work now.
* I've removed the term "Free Expression" -- it was largely negatively
received in our naming discussion -- and now refer to the definition
only as the Free Content Definition. To compensate, I've listed
several specific terms and specific definitions that can be used in
fields like knowledge, art and software.
* I've made a reference to DRM, and changed a few bits in the preamble.

Please leave comments and suggestions on the talk page.

In case you haven't seen, some volunteers have also started to create
a matrix of free content licenses that meet the definition:
http://freecontentdefinition.org/Licenses

For those who will be there, Mako Hill, the co-initator of the
definition, is going to give a presentation at Wikimania about it:
http://wikimania2006.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proceedings:BMH1

When we release a 1.0, I hope that Wikimedia will be one of many
organizations which will use this definition as a reference point for
clarifying what they mean when they say "free content." :-)

Cheers,

Erik