License question

[PeterSf]

This Package, Modified Packages, and derivative works may not be sold or released under any paid license. Copying fees for the transport of this Package, support fees for installation or other services, and hosting fees for hosting the Software may, however, be imposed.

What do you consider a derivative work? Is this software which contains the original sources or are this also packages which through an automated install modify smf sources and/or interface with the SMF forum software?

Why are you against paid licenses? I'm not a capitalist pig, but when I create something I'd like to give support for what I made. As a small retribution for this support I've found it easiest for other products I've made to charge a small fee for the initial download of the modification which then automatically grants lifetime upgrades and support... This system would under the current license probably be impossible to set up if you write a modification for the SMF forum, right?

Permission is hereby also granted to distribute programs which depend on this Package, provided that you do not distribute any Modified Package without express written consent.

Does this mean that there is a possibility to obtain permission to distribute a paid module which interfaces with smf?

[Dannii]

I'm not sure what derivative works are, but ignore it. You can't distribute it, and therefore it doesn't matter if its paid or free.

Mods which are released here on SM.org are free. However you may release paid mods on other sites. That is allowed by the licence.

[PeterSf]

but it is important to know what is considered a derivative work, if a mod is considered a derivative work then it's basically illigal to distribute paid mods, even if it is on another site... 

Who would I need to contact to get a definitive answer on this?

[Dannii]

[email protected]

Mods aren't derivative works. Mods have instructions on how to edit SMF, and do not actually contain SMF at all. Derivative works would contain SMF in some aspect.

[Thantos]

You can write a mod which is nothing more then a set of instructions of how to modify SMF.  You may sell that mod and distribute it however you like.  What you can not do is take that mod, apply it to some files and then distrubte those files.

You can of course ask for a written exception, though its not generally granted.