Re: [GNU-linux-libre] emulators and other hosts of foreign applications

[bill-auger]

On Sun, 9 Jul 2023 15:00:53 +0200 Denis wrote:
> And doing nothing is not an option because if distributions practically
> speaking steer users too much toward nonfree software (for instance by
> packaging software that is only meant to run nonfree software)

but that is already prohibited, albeit vaguely:

> A free system distribution must not steer users towards obtaining any
> nonfree information for practical use, or encourage them to do so. 

however, the FSDG has caveats regarding this:

> In general, something that helps people who already use nonfree software
> to use the free software better with it is acceptable, 
> but something that encourages users of the free software
> to install nonfree software is not.

the wording is confusing; but it appears to be saying that any free software
which helps people to use non-free software along with or via the free software,
is acceptable

if we reject that interpretation, then that sentence must be clarified - i dont
see any other way to interpret those words

if we take that interpretation, then this is a moot discussion - that is exactly
what these host programs do, including the worse cases (game machine emulators)
- they help people to run non-free games, using a free emulator, as opposed to
using a non-free emulator

if that was not convincing, consider this sentence, which is more clearly
worded:

> For a borderline case, a clear and serious exhortation not to use
> the nonfree program would move it to the acceptable side of the line.

so it seems to me that the FSDG already requires distros to warn users about
scummvm or any other "hosts of foreign applications" - if sufficiently warned,
those programs are acceptable - nothing new needs to be added - it is only
matter of communication and enforcement, which are unfortunately the key factors
that the FSDG is lacking now

to select from RMS's options, the FSDG is already nearest to (4); but stronger

> 4. Tell free distros they can redistribute it provided they remove all
> information about finding the nonfree programs it can run.  

the FSDG already requires everything suggested by #4 - furthermore, it requires
"a clear and serious exhortation not to use the nonfree program"

so if we want to discuss how the FSDG can better serve distros "in the wild",
let us discuss ways to inform distros of the work-group's expectations, and ways
to enforce them - it seems that all the policy is in place already