--- luke brandt shojokid@gmail.com wrote:
err... to say that "Wikipedia is the Free encyclopedia" begs the question "What do we mean by 'free'?" The GFDL is not the most 'free' license, many say. And many also say it isn't the most suitable license for a wiki either. Isn't it also true that NC is primarily about rejecting commercial exploitation, a point particularly relevant, one would have thought, where people are giving their time and expertise (such as it is) pro bono publico? - Thanks, luke
Free means free to do just about anything you want with the material so long as proper credit is given and those modifications are given the same freedoms. Even though images can be considered separate works on the web, having non-free/NC ones in an article would prevent that article's use in a commercial product.
And the freedom granted in the GFDL *specifically* mentions the freedom to use GFDLd material commercially. So the use of NC images goes against the spirit if not the letter of the FDL. Also, there is also at least some doubt as to whether images can, in a legal sense (again, IANAL), in fact be considered separate works in all circumstances from text.
So even though our non-profit status may allow us to use NC image, others who use our content for commercial purposes would need to constantly remove non-free images. And *that* makes it needlessly difficult for others to use and enjoy our work.
That is why the foundation has a strict policy against using any image or other media that has non-free aspects.
I'm sorry, but this policy is set in stone and will not change; there is a constant open season on NC and other non-free images. No one wiki community can decide otherwise and any wheel war that results will invariably favor the admins who are following this policy and sanction those that are actively using their admin powers to fight against it.
-- mav
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