Re: May I publish a Windows Installer for GNU Emacs?

[David Kastrup]

Peter S Galbraith <address@hidden> writes:

> Frank Schmitt <address@hidden> wrote:
> 
> > David Kastrup <address@hidden> writes:
> > 
> > > Frank Schmitt <address@hidden> writes:
> > >
> > >> During the last days, I've created a Windows Installer for GNU
> > >> Emacs. Here's what it currently does:
> > >> 
> > >> After a welcome dialog, it shows the GPL and asks the user, if
> > >> he accepts it. If he does, he can now choose a directory to
> > >> install Emacs in.
> > >
> > > This is nonsense.  There is no need to accept the GPL for
> > > installing and using Emacs.
> > 
> > Ah OK, I must admit, that I have "stolen" this part from Gimps
> > installer, but I see your point and will remove it.
> 
> Actually, I suggest that you take David's advise do display the
> following buttons:
> 
>     "Thank you." and "I knew that."

[Note: and make both of them work the same]

> instead of not displaying the GPL.  Why?  Free software is not as
> well-known in the Windows world (although someone installing Emacs
> might already have a clue) and I know maybe people that click "I
> accept" without even reading anything when they encounter an EULA.
> If they saw "Thank you." and "I knew that.", they might be surprised
> and read the GPL.  Then that's one more person that goes "Wow,
> that's neat."

Well, in case my meaning got lost: it _was_ a serious proposal of mine
to display those buttons along with the GPL.  And the sad thing about
it is that people will tend to read the GPL because they would feel
insecure about what their choices might entail and what they will
subject themselves to making either.

Whereas they have no problem clicking on "I agree" to something they
have not even read through.

-- 
David Kastrup, Kriemhildstr. 15, 44793 Bochum