License Discussion at Wikipedia
The Wikipedia community is currently in the process of deciding whether the site’s contents should also be regulated under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike license.
Wikipedia’s contents are currently distributed according to the GFDL (Gnu Free Documentation License). As a result of this arrangement, a few issues have arisen in the past. One such issue comes from the fact that this license deals with text documents primarily and only covers images and music on limited basis. Another shortcoming is the requirement that users have to integrate the full license text into the document. This requirement is not particularly convenient nor practical in relation to image use.
The distributors of the license are apparently in agreement. A passage in
Version 1.3 of the GFDL
allows the GFDL contents to be subject to the
CC-BY-SA
and specifies that this provision applies particularly to Wikipedia material.
The Wikipedia distributors would like this dual license to allow them the ability to exchange Wikipedia material with various projects they place under the CC; an option not previously possibly under the limitations of the GFDL. The CC-BY-SA is to therefore become the favored license while the options availabe under the GFDL would remain on the backburner as a possibility if needed.
All Wikipedia users who have contributed at least 25 entries to the site may take part in the voting process to decide for or against this proposed licensing arrangement. Voting ends on May 3, 2009, and pertinent specifics may be found
here.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.