Re: [PDO] Re: [PHP-DEV] PDO 2: Request for Comments

Hi Steph, I work for IBM -- hopefully on PDO (though more on the business 
side than programming) -- and I'll try and clarify some of this from my 
perspective, with the usual disclaimer that IANAL.

"Steph Fox" <[email protected]> wrote on 01/25/2008 02:58:32 PM:

> Hi Bill,
> 
> > The way I read it, you would not be taking legal responsibility for 
code 
> > you contribute.

I think there are 2 interpretations of responsibility here. One is the 
sense of "does this code do what I say it does", and both the PHP and PDO 
licenses say (in the same capitalised sections) that the code is 'as-is'. 
And this is how I interpret Bill's statement. Sense number two is "I say 
that I own this code (and I'm giving everyone permission to use it 
freely)". Do you think PHP devs understand one or other or neither of 
these? (I'm trying to better understand where we diverge.)

> 
> Let's just say that the way you read it and the way most of the PHP devs 

> read it are two very different things. You aren't going to convince 
people 
> who don't want to be convinced, so basically we need to work together to 

> hammer out a solution that *everybody* is comfortable with. Most people 
will 
> happily work with companies for the benefit of PHP/the userbase/the 
> companies themselves, it's just that nobody wants those companies to 
gain 
> control over PHP in the process.

Not sure in what way you see CLAs as part of an attempt by companies to 
take over the PHP process. As it says in the FAQ, the CLA is only intended 
to be applied to PDO, and speaking for IBM. having a CLA would greatly 
help us (a) put some database developers to work on PDO in the open 
community, and (b) distribute the PDO code.

> 
> > b. You are granting to the PDO project permission to use your 
contribution 
> > for free and you don't expect compensation.
> 
> The entire PHP project always worked on that understanding. But would I, 

> without signing a piece of paper, still be able to join the discussions 
> about aspects of PDO design in some conference bar? Or would such 
> discussions be more likely held in a private room between consenting 
adults, 
> so to speak, with one eye out for industrial spies?

Yes, you would be part of the discussions at the bar or on the mailing 
list without signing a piece of paper (I'll buy you a beer) .... the 
intention of the CLA is to cover material that is committed (in a CVS 
sense) to the project. With regard the 'private room' discussions the 
purpose of the CLA (from my perspective) is exactly so that folks can 
participate without worrying about what is being contributed or who is 
listening.

David