[OSM-legal-talk] [OSM-talk] ODbL vs CC-by-SA pros and cons

[John Smith]

On 29 August 2010 09:39, Frederik Ramm <frederik at remote.org> wrote:
> I haven't made a statement about the Kosovo information. I'm sure that
> whoever has imported it has made sure it would be compatible with future
> license changes as suggested on the imports Wiki page for ages.

Since the data is CC-by-SA, it doesn't seem likely.

> The license change is not my personal hobby so I'm surprised you should
> single me out in the way you do, even using my name in message subjects. I'm
> sorry if I should have hurt your feelings by pointing out that
> Nearmap-derived data is only a minuscle part of OSM as a whole; I think that
> it is important to refer to facts once in a while when emotions run high.

What you don't seem to realise is while Nearmap might be a small
fraction but your comments are in turn setting things up to make it
MUCH more difficult to get data from suppliers in future, regardless
if it is government entities, mapping companies or aerial imagery
companies.

This is commonly referred to as death by a thousand cuts, a small cut
here and there wouldn't seem like much on their own, but combined it
is enough to kill a bull.

> I don't think that there is data in OSM that is so precious that we need to
> risk OSM's future just to be able to hold on to that data.

You also have to consider the human factor, people went to a lot of
time, effort and trouble not only to import the data but to organise
getting that data in the first place, only to be told that you wasted
your efforts, so you've just insulted entire countries, you not only
loose data but also those that put in the hard work because they'll
completely give up trying to do anything, or they'll use their efforts
elsewhere where people do appreciate their efforts.

> Anyway I hear there's an excellent group of people planning a "continuity
> fork" so any data OSM cannot continue to use would be safe with them.

And the people will go with that data, is that really what you want?