[OT] The GPL and possible violations

[Michael A. Peters]

On Fri, 2006-02-17 at 14:30 -0800, jdow wrote:
> Another troll. This list is turning pretty sour - again.

This is NOT a troll.
Just for your information - Linux is the only OS I use, and the only OS
I have used in quite some time.

And no - this hasn't been discussed that I have seen.
This is a different issue than distributing binary modules - this is
distributing the binary modules WITH the kernel.

-=-

For reference, see the fluendo mp3 plugin.
They make it clear that you can't distribute it with GPL gstreamer
software for the same reason - the GPL gstreamer software (ie rhythmbox)
would gain functionality from the plugin - therefore, it would be a GPL
violation to distribute the GPL software with their free mp3 plugin -
that doesn't make the plugin not OK - nor does it make it not OK to use
it with GPL software - it is the _distribution_ where there is an issue.

How is the kernel scenario any different?