[rancid] Rancid 3.0 License Change

[Paul Gear]

On 09/28/2013 04:08 AM, Tom Limoncelli wrote:
> Reducing customer support costs low is an important goal.  I think the
> problem is that going about it via license strictions brings problems
> for certain Linux distros that have rules about what can and can not be
> in the licenses of software they package.
>
> That said, there should be other ways to get the same goal:
>
> Some suggestions:
>
> 1.   Calculate a hash or checksum of the file and print a warning if it
> is different.  If it was an error the repackagers would also update the
> checksum.  If it is an innocent, "Default rancid.types.base is in use:
> TRUE" (or FALSE) message they'll be less likely to want to remove it.
>
> 2.  If the file has changed, the startup banner should list the version
> number with an "X" appended.  When people list the version number
> (typically part of any service engagement) you'll immediately know if
> the file was non-standard.
>
> 3.  Make it significantly easier to NOT change the file.  For example,
> add a "conf.d" directory for people to add configs that are read after
> the main file.  People can insert individual files for individual models.
>
> 4.  Shame the people that do change it.   Set up a web page called "The
> Naughty RANCID Distro list" which lists vendors that are known to have
> shipped a modified file.  Include a link to instructions that explain
> how not to change the file.
>
> Those are just a few thoughts.

Great suggestions from Tom.  I think these are much better ways to 
handle the issue than in the license.

Paul