On Wed, 1 Oct 2003, Christian Limpach wrote:

> > which distfiles can be deleted. The GPL requires every binary package
> > be "covered" by the distfile that generated it, and then again for
> > three more years after the binary package is deleted. I've been
>
> I believe this is not true.  The 3 year period only applies if you
> distribute binaries under option 3b.  If you distribute under option 3a, it
> is sufficient to provide source only as long as you provide binaries.  You
> have to provide source "from the same place" if you want to distribute
> binaries from an FTP server and use distribution option 3a.  See also the
> GPL FAQ:
> http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#SourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites

What if TNF makes a CD of binary packages, and sells it? Under 3a, all
such CD's would have to include complete source, but under 3b, you can
just say, "Go download it" (in writing). I suppose we could make it a
point not to sell CD's with packages that are over three years old.

Frederick