PE>> A contract is only enforceable if there is a clear benefit on
PE>> both sides. Arbitrary rules don't go very well under Law. 

PE>> However, the thing that they are relying on is - WHAT gives YOU
PE>> the right to use their code? Where do you have permission to do
PE>> so? The only thing that gives you a right to use it, comes with
PE>> a whole lot of strings attached. It really stinks though.

BL> Has it ever been tested in Law? As I said, IMO they don't have a

Not that I know of, EITHER way.

BL> hope in hell of publishing code and then writing their own copyright
BL> conditions. 

Everyone who writes a book does that.  They normally say "all rights
reserved", or in the case of videos "not allowed to be shown in
cinemas" etc or for CD's "not allowed to be broadcast on
radio" etc.

BL> The only way to do that legally is with a licence, a 
BL> two-way thing like a contract... which takes me back to where I was.

I don't sign a contract when I buy a CD either.  I've got this great idea
for a radio station...

BL> They are saying that *I* have to give away *my* code, and that's just

Sort of.  What they are actually saying is that YOU are not allowed to use
THEIR code unless you're willing to "bare your arse".  If you
don't like that, no-one is forcing you to use their code.

BL> not legal... 

Which may be legal.

BL> whether I add it to *their* code or not... 

You are not allowed to use their code then.

BL> especially
BL> when their ownership is dodgy anyway, with other people adding bits.
BL> Who owns it? Who has copyright? Give me a name.

There usually is an owner, look at any of the readme files that come with
it.  E.g. Vince Periello owns Binkley.  BFN.  Paul.
@EOT:

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