What is the GNU Free Documentation License?
Q: What is the GNU Free Documentation License?
A: The GNU Free Documentation License (GNU FDL or simply GFDL) is a copyleft license for open content such as software. It was made by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) for the GNU project and allows anyone to reproduce, distribute, or modify a copyrighted work as long as they follow certain requirements specified in the GFDL.
Q: How does it work?
A: The GFDL is considered "copyleft" because it makes it easier to use and re-use a copyrighted work, not to restrict its use. If a copyrightable work is released under the GFDL, anyone else may reproduce, distribute, or modify it as long as they follow a set of requirements specified in the GFDL. These requirements include giving credit to any previous authors of the work and including a list of changes made to the work. Additionally, any new works created from an original must also be licensed under the GFDL.
Q: What are some criticisms of this license?
A: Criticisms of this license include that it is very hard to combine with other copyleft licenses; that it is not always clear and easy to understand; and that some of its requirements such as “invariant sections” are not free at all. Additionally, some people have criticized that it can be difficult to include an entire long license with certain types of copyrighted works such as songs or photographs.
Q: Are there any online projects which use this license?
A: Yes - one example of an online project which uses this license is Wikipedia.
Q: Is infringement managed through legal action?
A: No - infringement issues are managed through a community based approach with approval and assistance from the Free Software Foundation rather than legal action.
Q: Does using material licensed under this require credit given to prior authors?
A: Yes - when using material licensed under this you must give credit to any previous authors of the work and include a list of changes they made to the work in order for your use/modification/distribution etc..to be valid according to its terms
