Re: Guile patch to avoid copyright problems

[Jim Blandy <jimb@red-bean.com>]

> Currently libguile has the problem that is not clear (from the
> application's point of view) which license it currently has.
> 
> For instance, if you make use of the license exception it's too
> easy for users to violate the GPL without even noticing for instance
> by linking in GPLed libraries.
> 
> To avoid this problem, GPLed guile interpreters should define some
> feature which both the library and code like ice-9/boot-9.scm can
> use to determine whether it's permitted to include GPLed code.
> 
> This patch calles `scm_add_feature("gnu")' in the main guile interpreter
> and also adds a section to the manual stating that one should do the
> same in any GPLed interpreter.

The GPL covers only distribution --- it doesn't limit what you can do
with the code.  I don't see how this patch helps someone putting
together a distribution tell if they're in violation of the GPL.
How exactly should it be used?