@c For double-sided printing, uncomment:
@c @setchapternewpage odd
@c This date is automagically updated when you save this file:
-@set lastupdate March 25, 2010
+@set lastupdate October 9, 2013
@c %**end of header
@dircategory GNU organization
Information for maintainers of GNU software, last updated @value{lastupdate}.
Copyright @copyright{} 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999,
-2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Free Software
-Foundation, Inc.
+2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
+2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
@quotation
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
@menu
* Preface::
+* Getting Help::
+* GNU Accounts and Resources::
* Stepping Down::
* Recruiting Developers::
* Legal Matters::
* Web Pages::
* Ethical and Philosophical Consideration::
* Terminology::
+* Interviews and Speeches::
* Hosting::
+* Donations::
* Free Software Directory::
* Using the Proofreaders List::
* GNU Free Documentation License::
This file contains guidelines and advice for someone who is the
maintainer of a GNU program on behalf of the GNU Project. Everyone is
entitled to change and redistribute GNU software; you need not pay
-attention to this file to get permission. But if you want to maintain a
-version for widespread distribution, we suggest you follow these
-guidelines. If you would like to be a GNU maintainer, then it is
-essential to follow these guidelines.
+attention to this file to get permission. But if you want to maintain
+a version for widespread distribution, we suggest you follow these
+guidelines. If you are or would like to be a GNU maintainer, then it
+is essential to follow these guidelines.
In addition to this document, please read and follow the GNU Coding
Standards (@pxref{Top, , Contents, standards, GNU Coding Standards}).
-@cindex @code{gnustandards-commit@@gnu.org} mailing list
-If you want to receive diffs for every change to these GNU documents,
-join the mailing list @code{gnustandards-commit@@gnu.org}, via the web
-interface at
-@url{http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/gnustandards-commit}.
-Archives are also available there.
-
@cindex @code{bug-standards@@gnu.org} email address
-@cindex Savannah repository for gnustandards
-@cindex gnustandards project repository
+@cindex Savannah repository for @code{gnustandards}
+@cindex @code{gnustandards} project repository
Please send corrections or suggestions for this document to
@email{bug-standards@@gnu.org}. If you make a suggestion, please
-include a suggested new wording for it, to help us consider the
-suggestion efficiently. We prefer a context diff to the Texinfo
-source, but if that's difficult for you, you can make a context diff
-for some other version of this document, or propose it in any way that
-makes it clear. The source repository for this document can be found
-at @url{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/gnustandards}.
-
-@cindex @code{mentors@@gnu.org} mailing list
-If you have general questions or encounter a situation where it isn't
-clear what to do, you can ask @email{mentors@@gnu.org}, which is a
-list of a few experienced GNU contributors who have offered to answer
-questions for new maintainers.
+include suggested new wording if you can. We prefer a context diff to
+the Texinfo source, but if that's difficult for you, you can make a
+diff for some other version of this document, or propose it in any way
+that makes it clear. The source repository for this document can be
+found at @url{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/gnustandards}.
-The directory @file{/gd/gnuorg} mentioned throughout this document is
-found on the GNU file server, currently @code{fencepost.gnu.org}; if
-you are the maintainer of a GNU package, you should have an account
-there. See @url{http://www.gnu.org/software/README.accounts.html} if
-you don't have one. (You can also ask for accounts for people who
-help you a large amount in working on the package.)
-
-If on occasion you find that any GNU computer systems
-(@code{fencepost.gnu.org}, @code{ftp.gnu.org},
-@code{savannah.gnu.org}, or others) seem to be down, you can check the
-current status at @url{http://identi.ca/group/fsfstatus}. Most likely
-the problem, if it is at the FSF end, is already being worked on.
+@cindex @code{gnustandards-commit@@gnu.org} mailing list
+If you want to receive diffs for every change to these GNU documents,
+join the mailing list @code{gnustandards-commit@@gnu.org}, for
+instance via the web interface at
+@url{http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/gnustandards-commit}.
+Archives are also available there.
@cindex Piercy, Marge
This document uses the gender-neutral third-person pronouns ``person'',
per new program under the GNU GPL, to let the public benefit from per
work, and to enable per to feel person has done the right thing.''
-This release of the GNU Maintenance Instructions was last updated
+This release of the GNU Maintainer Information was last updated
@value{lastupdate}.
+@node Getting Help
+@chapter Getting Help
+@cindex help, getting
+
+@cindex @code{mentors@@gnu.org} mailing list
+If you have any general questions or encounter a situation where it
+isn't clear how to get something done or who to ask, you (as a GNU
+contributor) can always write to @email{mentors@@gnu.org}, which is a
+list of a few experienced GNU folks who have volunteered to answer
+questions. Any GNU-related question is fair game for the
+@code{mentors} list.
+
+@cindex advisory committee
+The GNU Advisory Committee helps to coordinate activities in the GNU
+project on behalf of RMS (Richard Stallman, the Chief GNUisance). If
+you have any organizational questions or concerns you can contact the
+committee at @email{gnu-advisory@@gnu.org}. See
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/contact/gnu-advisory.html} for the current
+committee members. Additional information is in
+@file{/gd/gnuorg/advisory}.
+
+@cindex down, when GNU machines are
+@cindex outage, of GNU machines
+@cindex @url{https://pumprock.net/fsfstatus}
+If you find that any GNU computer systems (@code{fencepost.gnu.org},
+@code{ftp.gnu.org}, @code{www.gnu.org}, @code{savannah.gnu.org},
+@dots{}) seem to be down, you can check the current status at
+@url{http://pumprock.net/fsfstatus}. Most likely the problem, if
+it can be alleviated at the FSF end, is already being worked on.
+
+@cindex sysadmin, FSF
+@cindex FSF system administrators
+@cindex GNU system administrators
+The FSF system administrators are responsible for the network and GNU
+hardware. You can email them at @email{sysadmin@@fsf.org}, but please
+try not to burden them unnecessarily.
+
+
+@node GNU Accounts and Resources
+@chapter GNU Accounts and Resources
+@cindex shell account, on fencepost
+@cindex @code{fencepost.gnu.org} GNU login host
+@cindex resources for GNU developers
+@cindex development resources
+
+@c We want to repeat this text later, so define a macro.
+@macro gdgnuorgtext
+The directory @file{/gd/gnuorg} mentioned throughout this document is
+available on the general GNU server, currently
+@code{fencepost.gnu.org}. If you are the maintainer of a GNU package,
+you should have an account there. If you don't have one already, see
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/software/README.accounts.html}. You can also
+ask for accounts for people who significantly help you in working on
+the package. Such GNU login accounts include email
+(see @url{http://www.fsf.org/about/systems/sending-mail-via-fencepost}).
+@end macro
+
+@gdgnuorgtext{}
+
+Other resources available to GNU maintainers are described at
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/software/devel.html}, as well as throughout
+this document. In brief:
+
+@itemize @bullet
+@item Login accounts (see above).
+
+@item Version control (@pxref{Old Versions}).
+
+@item Mailing lists (@pxref{Mail}).
+
+@item Web pages (@pxref{Web Pages}).
+
+@item Mirrored release areas (@pxref{Distributions}).
+
+@cindex Hydra
+@cindex @code{platform-testers} mailing list
+@item Pre-release portability testing, both automated (via Hydra) and
+on request (via volunteers).
+
+@end itemize
+
+
@node Stepping Down
@chapter Stepping Down
+@cindex stepping down as maintainer
+@cindex resigning as maintainer
With good fortune, you will continue maintaining your package for many
decades. But sometimes for various reasons maintainers decide to step
We need to know that the package no longer has a maintainer, so we can
look for and appoint a new maintainer.
+@cindex @email{maintainers@@gnu.org}
If you have an idea for who should take over, please tell
@email{maintainers@@gnu.org} your suggestion. The appointment of a new
maintainer needs the GNU Project's confirmation, but your judgment that
a person is capable of doing the job will carry a lot of weight.
-As your final act as maintainer, it would be helpful to set up the
-package under @code{savannah.gnu.org} if it is not there already
-(@pxref{Old Versions}). This will make it much easier for the new
-maintainer to pick up where you left off and will ensure that the
-source tree is not misplaced if it takes us a while to find a new
-maintainer.
+As your final act as maintainer, it would be helpful to set up or
+update the package under @code{savannah.gnu.org} (@pxref{Old
+Versions}). This will make it much easier for the new maintainer to
+pick up where you left off and will ensure that the source tree is not
+misplaced if it takes us a while to find a new maintainer.
@node Recruiting Developers
@node Copyright Papers
@section Copyright Papers
@cindex copyright papers
-
-If you maintain an FSF-copyrighted package
-certain legal procedures are required when incorporating legally significant
-changes written by other people. This ensures that the FSF has the
-legal right to distribute the package, and the standing to defend its
-GPL-covered status in court if necessary.
-
-@strong{Before} incorporating significant changes, make sure that the
+@cindex assignments, copyright
+@cindex disclaimers
+
+If you maintain an FSF-copyrighted package, certain legal procedures
+are required when incorporating legally significant changes written by
+other people. This ensures that the FSF has the legal right to
+distribute the package, and the standing to defend its GPL-covered
+status in court if necessary.
+
+GNU packages need not be FSF-copyrighted; this is up to the author(s),
+generally at the time the package is dubbed GNU. When copyright is
+assigned to the FSF, the FSF can act to stop GPL violations about the
+package. Otherwise, legal actions are up to the author(s). The rest
+of this section is about the case when a package is FSF-copyrighted.
+
+@emph{Before} incorporating significant changes, make sure that the
person who wrote the changes has signed copyright papers and that the
-Free Software Foundation has received and signed them. We may also need
-an employer's disclaimer from the person's employer.
+Free Software Foundation has received and signed them. We may also
+need an employer's disclaimer from the person's employer, which
+confirms that the work was not part of the person's job and the
+employer makes no claim on it. However, a copy of the person's
+employment contract, showing that the employer can't claim any rights
+to this work, is often sufficient.
+
+If the employer does claim the work was part of the person's job, and
+there is no clear basis to say that claim is invalid, then we have to
+consider it valid. Then the person cannot assign copyright, but the
+employer can. Many companies have done this. Please ask the
+appropriate managers to contact @code{assign@@gnu.org}.
@cindex data base of GNU copyright assignments
To check whether papers have been received, look in
@cindex @file{/gd/gnuorg} directory
@c This paragraph intentionally duplicates information given
@c near the beginning of the file--to make sure people don't miss it.
-The directory @file{/gd/gnuorg} is found on the GNU machines,
-currently @code{fencepost.gnu.org}; if you are the maintainer of a GNU
-package, you should have an account on them. Contact
-@email{accounts@@gnu.org} if you don't have one. (You can also ask
-for accounts for people who help you a large amount in working on the
-package.)
+@gdgnuorgtext{}
In order for the contributor to know person should sign papers, you need
to ask per for the necessary papers. If you don't know per well, and you
@quotation
Would you be willing to assign the copyright to the Free Software
-Foundation, so that we could install it in @var{program}?
+Foundation, so that we could install it in @var{package}?
@end quotation
@noindent
@quotation
Would you be willing to sign a copyright disclaimer to put this change
-in the public domain, so that we can install it in @var{program}?
+in the public domain, so that we can install it in @var{package}?
@end quotation
-If the contributor wants more information, you can send per
+If the contributor then wants more information, you can send per the file
@file{/gd/gnuorg/conditions.text}, which explains per options (assign
vs.@: disclaim) and their consequences.
papers to sign. The @file{request-} file also raises the issue of
getting an employer's disclaimer from the contributor's employer.
-When the contributor emails the form to the FSF, the FSF sends per
-papers to sign. If person signs them right away, the whole process
-takes about two weeks--mostly waiting for letters to go back and
-forth.
+When the contributor emails the form to the FSF, the FSF sends per an
+electronic (usually PDF) copy of the assignment. This, or whatever
+response is required, should happen within five business days of the
+initial request. If no reply from the FSF comes after that time,
+please send a reminder. If there is still no response after an
+additional week, please write to @email{maintainers@@gnu.org} about it.
+
+After receiving the necessary form, the contributor needs to sign it.
+Contributors residing in the USA may use GPG in order to sign their
+assignment. Contributors located in the USA or Germany can print,
+sign, and then email (or fax) a scanned copy back to the FSF.
+(Specific instructions for both cases are sent with the assignment
+form.) They may use postal mail, if they prefer. Contributors
+residing outside the USA or Germany must mail the signed form to the
+FSF via postal mail. To emphasize, the necessary distinction is
+between residents and non-residents of these countries; citizenship
+does not matter.
For less common cases, we have template files you should send to the
contributor. Be sure to fill in the name of the person and the name
For a translation of a manual, use @file{assign.translation.manual}.
For translations of program strings (as used by GNU Gettext, for
-example; @pxref{Internationalization,,,standards,GNU Coding
+example; @pxref{Internationalization,,, standards, GNU Coding
Standards}), use @file{disclaim.translation}. If you make use of the
Translation Project (@url{http://translationproject.org}) facilities,
please check with the TP coordinators that they have sent the
don't need to distinguish work done at different times, only different
people. They don't need describe changes in more detail than which
files or parts of a file were changed. And they don't need to say
-anything about the function or purpose of a file or change--the
+anything about the function or purpose of a file or change---the
Register of Copyrights doesn't care what the text does, just who wrote
or contributed to which parts.
automatically, if you are careful about the formatting of the change
log entries.
+It is ok to include other email addresses, names, and program
+information in @file{AUTHORS}, such as bug-reporting information.
+@xref{Standard Mailing Lists}.
+
+
@node Copying from Other Packages
@section Copying from Other Packages
+This section explains legal considerations when merging code from
+other packages into your package. Using an entire module as a whole,
+and maintaining its separate identity, is a different issue;
+see @ref{External Libraries}.
+
+@menu
+* Non-FSF-Copyrighted Package::
+* FSF-Copyrighted Package::
+@end menu
+
+@node Non-FSF-Copyrighted Package
+@subsection Non-FSF-Copyrighted Package
+
+Here we suppose that your package is not FSF-copyrighted.
+
When you copy legally significant code from another free software
package with a GPL-compatible license, you should look in the
package's records to find out the authors of the part you are copying,
you did was copy it, not write it, then for copyright purposes you are
@emph{not} one of the contributors of @emph{this} code.
-Especially when code has been released into the public domain, authors
-sometimes fail to write a license statement in each file. In this
-case, please first be sure that all the authors of the code have
-disclaimed copyright interest. Then, when copying the new files into
-your project, add a brief note at the beginning of the files recording
-the authors, the public domain status, and anything else relevant.
+If the code is supposed to be in the public domain, make sure that is
+really true: that all the authors of the code have disclaimed
+copyright interest. Then, when copying the new files into your
+project, add a brief note at the beginning of the files recording the
+authors, the public domain status, and anything else relevant.
On the other hand, when merging some public domain code into an
existing file covered by the GPL (or LGPL or other free software
domain. The notice saying that the whole file is under the GPL (or
other license) is legally sufficient.
-Using code that is released under a GPL-compatible free license,
-rather than being in the public domain, may require preserving
-copyright notices or other steps. Of course, you should do what is
-needed.
+Using code that is not in the public domain, but rather released under
+a GPL-compatible free license, may require preserving copyright
+notices or other steps. Of course, you should follow the requirements
+stated.
+
+@node FSF-Copyrighted Package
+@subsection FSF-Copyrighted Package
+
+If you are maintaining an FSF-copyrighted package, please don't copy
+in any code without verifying first that we have suitable legal papers
+for that code.
-If you are maintaining an FSF-copyrighted package, please verify we
-have papers for the code you are copying, @emph{before} copying it.
If you are copying from another FSF-copyrighted package, then we
presumably have papers for that package's own code, but you must check
whether the code you are copying is part of an external library; if
extend copyright. If you copy a file into the package from some other
program, keep the copyright years that come with the file.
-Do not abbreviate the year list using a range; for instance, do not
-write @samp{1996--1998}; instead, write @samp{1996, 1997, 1998}.
+You can use a range (@samp{2008-2010}) instead of listing individual
+years (@samp{2008, 2009, 2010}) if and only if: 1)@tie{}every year in
+the range, inclusive, really is a ``copyrightable'' year that would be
+listed individually; @emph{and} 2)@tie{}you make an explicit statement
+in a @file{README} file about this usage.
For files which are regularly copied from another project (such as
@samp{gnulib}), leave the copyright notice as it is in the original.
copy of its plain text version also (conventionally in a file named
@file{COPYING.LESSER}).
-If you have questions about license issues for your GNU package,
+If you have questions about licensing issues for your GNU package,
please write @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
@menu
-* Source: Canonical License Sources.
-* Code: License Notices for Code.
+* Which: Licensing of GNU Packages.
+* Canonical: Canonical License Sources.
+* Code: License Notices for Code.
* Documentation: License Notices for Documentation.
-* Other: License Notices for Other Files.
+* Other: License Notices for Other Files.
@end menu
+@node Licensing of GNU Packages
+@subsection Licensing of GNU Packages
+
+Normally, GNU packages should use the latest version of the GNU GPL,
+with the ``or any later version'' formulation. @xref{License Notices
+for Code}, for the exact wording of the license notice.
+
+Occasionally, a GNU library may provide functionality which is already
+widely available to proprietary programs through alternative
+implementations; for example, the GNU C Library. In such cases, the
+Lesser GPL should be used (again, for the notice wording,
+@pxref{License Notices for Code}). If a GNU library provides unique
+functionality, however, the GNU GPL should be used.
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html} discusses this
+strategic choice.
+
+Some of these libraries need to work with programs released under
+GPLv2-only; that is, which allow the GNU GPL version 2 but not later
+versions. In this case, the GNU package should be released under a
+dual license: GNU GPL version 2 (or any later version) and the GNU
+Lesser GPL version 3 (or any later version). Here is the notice for
+that case:
+
+@smallexample
+This file is part of GNU @var{package}.
+
+GNU @var{package} is free software: you can redistribute it and/or
+modify it under the terms of either:
+
+ * the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by the Free
+ Software Foundation; either version 3 of the License, or (at your
+ option) any later version.
+
+or
+
+ * the GNU General Public License as published by the Free
+ Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your
+ option) any later version.
+
+or both in parallel, as here.
+
+GNU @var{package} is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU
+General Public License for more details.
+
+You should have received copies of the GNU General Public License and
+the GNU Lesser General Public License along with this program. If
+not, see @url{http://www.gnu.org/licenses/}.
+@end smallexample
+
+For small packages, you can use ``This program'' instead of ``GNU
+@var{package}''.
+
+
@node Canonical License Sources
@subsection Canonical License Sources
The official Texinfo sources for the licenses are also available in
those same places, so you can include them in your documentation. A
GFDL-covered manual should include the GFDL in this way. @xref{GNU
-Sample Texts,,,texinfo,Texinfo}, for a full example in a Texinfo
+Sample Texts,,, texinfo, Texinfo}, for a full example in a Texinfo
manual.
configure files and makefiles) should cite the GPL, like this:
@quotation
-This file is part of GNU @var{program}.
+This file is part of GNU @var{package}.
-GNU @var{program} is free software: you can redistribute it and/or
+GNU @var{package} is free software: you can redistribute it and/or
modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as
published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
License, or (at your option) any later version.
-GNU @var{program} is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+GNU @var{package} is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
GNU General Public License for more details.
along with this program. If not, see @url{http://www.gnu.org/licenses/}.
@end quotation
+In either case, for those few packages which use the Lesser GPL
+(@pxref{Licensing of GNU Packages}), insert the word ``Lesser'' before
+``General'' in @emph{all three} places.
+@url{http://@/www.gnu.org/@/licenses/@/gpl-howto.html} discusses application
+the GPL in more detail.
+
@node License Notices for Documentation
@subsection License Notices for Documentation
Please adjust the list of invariant sections as appropriate for your
manual. If there are none, then say ``with no Invariant Sections''.
If your manual is not published by the FSF, and under 400 pages, you
-can omit both cover texts.
+can omit both cover texts. However, if it is copyright FSF, always
+ask the FSF what to do.
-@xref{GNU Sample Texts,,,texinfo,Texinfo}, for a full example in a
+@xref{GNU Sample Texts,,, texinfo, Texinfo}, for a full example in a
Texinfo manual, and see
@url{http://www.gnu.org/licenses/fdl-howto.html} for more advice about
how to use the GNU FDL.
+If you write a manual that people might want to buy on paper, please
+write to @email{maintainers@@gnu.org} to tell the FSF about it. We
+might want to publish it.
+
If the manual is over 400 pages, or if the FSF thinks it might be a
good choice for publishing on paper, then please include the GNU GPL,
as in the notice above. Please also include our standard invariant
useful functionality, as a ``library'' facility (though the module is
not always packaged technically as a library).
-In a case like this, it would be unreasonable to ask the author of that
-module to assign the copyright to the FSF. After all, person did not
-write it specifically as a contribution to your package, so it would be
-impertinent to ask per, out of the blue, ``Please give the FSF your
+Make sure the license of the module is compatible with current @emph{and
+future} GPL versions. ``GNU GPL version 3 or later'' is good, and
+so is anything which includes permission for use under those GPL
+versions (including ``GNU GPL version 2 or later'', ``LGPL version
+@var{n} or later'', ``LGPL version 2.1'', ``GNU Affero GPL version 3
+or later''). Lax permissive licenses are ok too, since they are
+compatible with all GPL versions.
+
+``GPL version 2 only'' is obviously unacceptable because it is
+incompatible with GPL version 3. ``GPL version 3 only'' and ``GPL
+version 2 or 3 only'' have a subtler problem: they would be incompatible
+with GPL version 4, if we ever make one, so the module would become an
+obstacle to upgrading your package's license to ``GPL version 4 or
+later''.
+
+One package you need to avoid is @code{goffice}, since it allows only
+GPL versions 2 and 3.
+
+It would be unreasonable to ask the author of the external module to
+assign its copyright to the FSF. After all, person did not write
+it specifically as a contribution to your package, so it would be
+impertinent to ask, out of the blue, ``Please give the FSF your
copyright.''
-So the thing to do in this case is to make your program use the module,
-but not consider it a part of your program. There are two reasonable
-methods of doing this:
+So make your program use the module but without treating the module as
+a part of your program. There are two reasonable methods of doing
+this:
@enumerate
@item
You will naturally want to keep the program running on all the platforms
it supports. But you personally will not have access to most of these
-platforms--so how should you do it?
+platforms---so how should you do it?
Don't worry about trying to get access to all of these platforms. Even
if you did have access to all the platforms, it would be inefficient for
It is important to test the program personally on GNU or GNU/Linux,
because these are the most important platforms for a GNU package. If
-you don't have access to one of these platforms, please ask
-@email{maintainers@@gnu.org} to help you out.
+you don't have access to one of these platforms, as a GNU maintainer
+you can get access to the general GNU login machine; see
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/software/README.accounts.html}.
Supporting other platforms is optional---we do it when that seems like
a good idea, but we don't consider it obligatory. If the users don't
@node Mail
@chapter Dealing With Mail
-@cindex bug reports
+@cindex email
+
+This chapter describes setting up mailing lists for your package, and
+gives advice on how to handle bug reports and random requests once you
+have them.
+
+@menu
+* Standard Mailing Lists:: @samp{bug-pkg@@gnu.org} and other standard names.
+* Creating Mailing Lists:: The best way is to use Savannah.
+* Replying to Mail:: Advice on replying to incoming mail.
+@end menu
+
+
+@node Standard Mailing Lists
+@section Standard Mailing Lists
+
+@cindex standard mailing lists
+@cindex mailing lists, standard names of
-@cindex email, for receiving bug reports
@cindex mailing list for bug reports
Once a program is in use, you will get bug reports for it. Most GNU
programs have their own special lists for sending bug reports. The
advertised bug-reporting email address should always be
-@samp{bug-@var{program}@@gnu.org}, to help show users that the program
+@samp{bug-@var{package}@@gnu.org}, to help show users that the program
is a GNU package, but it is ok to set up that list to forward to another
-site for further forwarding. The package distribution should state the
-name of the bug-reporting list in a prominent place, and ask users to
-help us by reporting bugs there.
+site if you prefer.
+@cindex @email{bug-gnu-utils@@gnu.org}
We also have a catch-all list, @email{bug-gnu-utils@@gnu.org}, which is
used for all GNU programs that don't have their own specific lists. But
nowadays we want to give each program its own bug-reporting list and
move away from using @email{bug-gnu-utils}.
-If you wish, you can also have mailing lists such as
-@samp{info-@var{program}} for announcements (@pxref{Announcements}),
-@samp{help-@var{program}} for general help and discussion (see below),
-or any others you find useful.
-
-By far the easiest way to create mailing lists is through
-@code{savannah.gnu.org}. Once you register your program, you can do
-this yourself through the `Mailing Lists' menu, without needing
-intervention by anyone else. Furthermore, lists created through
-Savannah will have a reasonable default configuration for antispam
-purposes (see below).
-
-If you are the maintainer of a GNU package, you should have an account
-on the GNU servers; contact
-@url{http://www.gnu.org/software/README.accounts.html} if you don't
-have one. (You can also ask for accounts for people who help you a
-large amount in working on the package.) With this account, you can
-edit @file{/com/mailer/aliases} to create a new unmanaged list or add
-yourself to an existing unmanaged list. A comment near the beginning
-of that file explains how to create a Mailman-managed mailing list.
-
-But if you don't want to learn how to do those things, you can
-alternatively ask @email{alias-file@@gnu.org} to add you to the
-bug-reporting list for your program. To set up a new list, contact
-@email{new-mailing-list@@gnu.org}. You can subscribe to a list managed
-by Mailman by sending mail to the corresponding @samp{-request} address.
+@xref{Replying to Mail}, for more about handling and tracking bug
+reports.
+
+@cindex help for users, mailing list for
+Some GNU programs with many users have another mailing list,
+@samp{help-@var{package}.org}, for people to ask other users for help.
+If your program has many users, you should create such a list for it.
+For a fairly new program, which doesn't have a large user base yet, it
+is better not to bother with this.
+
+@cindex announcements, mailing list for
+If you wish, you can also have a mailing list
+@samp{info-@var{package}} for announcements (@pxref{Announcements}).
+Any other mailing lists you find useful can also be created.
+
+The package distribution should state the name of all the package's
+mailing lists in a prominent place, and ask users to help us by
+reporting bugs appropriately. The top-level @file{README} file and/or
+@file{AUTHORS} file are good places. Mailing list information should
+also be included in the manual and the package web pages (@pxref{Web
+Pages}).
+
+
+@node Creating Mailing Lists
+@section Creating Mailing Lists
+
+@cindex creating mailing lists
+@cindex mailing lists, creating
+
+Using the web interface on @code{savannah.gnu.org} is by far the
+easiest way to create normal mailing lists, managed through Mailman on
+the GNU mail server. Once you register your package on Savannah, you
+can create (and remove) lists yourself through the `Mailing Lists'
+menu, without needing to wait for intervention by anyone else.
+Furthermore, lists created through Savannah will have a reasonable
+default configuration for antispam purposes (see below).
+
+To create and maintain simple aliases and unmanaged lists, you can
+edit @file{/com/mailer/aliases} on the main GNU server. If you don't
+have an account there, please read
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/software/README.accounts.html} (@pxref{GNU
+Accounts and Resources}).
+
+But if you don't want to learn how to do those things, you can ask
+@email{new-mailing-list@@gnu.org} to help you.
+
+@cindex spam prevention
You should moderate postings from non-subscribed addresses on your
mailing lists, to prevent propagation of unwanted messages (``spam'')
to subscribers and to the list archives. For lists controlled by
periodically (daily is best) reviewing the held messages, accepting
the real ones and discarding the junk.
+Lists created through Savannah will have this setting, and a number of
+others, such that spam will be automatically deleted (after a short
+delay). The Savannah mailing list page describes all the details.
+You should still review the held messages in order to approve any that
+are real.
+
+
+@node Replying to Mail
+@section Replying to Mail
+
@cindex responding to bug reports
+@cindex bug reports, handling
+@cindex help requests, handling
+
When you receive bug reports, keep in mind that bug reports are crucial
for your work. If you don't know about problems, you cannot fix them.
So always thank each person who sends a bug report.
time, just ``thanks for the bug report---I will fix it'' is enough
response.
-Some GNU packages, such as Emacs and GCC, come with advice about how to
-make bug reports useful. If you want to copy and adapt that, it could
-be a very useful thing to do.
+Some GNU packages, such as Emacs and GCC, come with advice about how
+to make bug reports useful. Copying and adapting that could be very
+useful for your package.
+
+@cindex @url{http://bugs.gnu.org}
+@cindex bug reports, email tracker for
+@cindex bug reports, web tracker for
+If you would like to use an email-based bug tracking system, see
+@url{http://bugs.gnu.org}; this can be connected with the regular
+bug-reporting address. Alternatively, if you would like to use a
+web-based bug tracking system, Savannah supports this (@pxref{Old
+Versions}), but please don't fail to accept bugs by regular email as
+well---we don't want to put up unnecessary barriers against users
+submitting reports.
@node Old Versions
@cindex version control
It is very important to keep backup files of all source files of GNU.
-You can do this using a source control system (such as RCS, CVS, Git,
-@dots{}) if you like. The easiest way to use RCS or CVS is via the
-Version Control library in Emacs (@pxref{VC Concepts,, Concepts of
-Version Control, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}).
+You can do this using a source control system (such as Bazaar, RCS,
+CVS, Git, Subversion, @dots{}) if you like. An easy way to use
+many such systems is via the Version Control library in Emacs
+(@pxref{Introduction to VC,, Introduction to Version Control, emacs,
+The GNU Emacs Manual}).
The history of previous revisions and log entries is very important for
future maintainers of the package, so even if you do not make it
some day.
@cindex @code{savannah-hackers@@gnu.org}
-The GNU Project provides a server that GNU software packages can use
+The GNU Project provides a server that GNU packages can use
for source control and other package needs: @code{savannah.gnu.org}.
-You don't have to use this repository, but if you plan to allow public
-read-only access to your development sources, it is convenient for
-people to be able to find various GNU packages in a central place.
-Savannah is managed by @email{savannah-hackers@@gnu.org}.
+Savannah is managed by @email{savannah-hackers@@gnu.org}. For more
+details on using and contributing to Savannah, see
+@url{http://savannah.gnu.org/maintenance}.
-All GNU maintainers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of
-Savannah, as sharing such a central point can serve to foster a sense
-of community among GNU developers and help in keeping up with project
-management.
+It's not an absolute requirement, but all GNU maintainers are strongly
+encouraged to take advantage of Savannah, as sharing such a central
+point can serve to foster a sense of community among GNU developers as
+well as help in keeping up with project management. Please don't mark
+Savannah projects for GNU packages as private; that defeats a large
+part of the purpose of using Savannah in the first place.
@cindex @code{savannah-announce@@gnu.org} mailing list
-If you do use Savannah, it is a good idea to subscribe to the
+If you do use Savannah, please subscribe to the
@email{savannah-announce@@gnu.org} mailing list
(@url{http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/savannah-announce}). This
is a very low-volume list to keep Savannah users informed of system
@node Distributions
@chapter Distributions
-It is important to follow the GNU conventions when making GNU software
+Please follow the GNU conventions when making GNU software
distributions.
@menu
@cindex time stamp in diffs
If you use GNU @code{diff} to make the patch, use the options
@samp{-rc2P}. That will put any new files into the output as ``entirely
-different.'' Also, the patch's context diff headers should have dates
+different''. Also, the patch's context diff headers should have dates
and times in Universal Time using traditional Unix format, so that patch
recipients can use GNU @code{patch}'s @samp{-Z} option. For example,
you could use the following Bourne shell command to create the patch:
It's wise to test your patch by applying it to a copy of the old
version, and checking that the result exactly matches the new version.
+
@node Distribution on ftp.gnu.org
@section Distribution on @code{ftp.gnu.org}
@cindex GNU ftp site
-@cindex @code{ftp.gnu.org}, the GNU ftp site
+@cindex @code{ftp.gnu.org}, the GNU release site
-GNU packages are distributed through directory @file{/gnu} on
-@code{ftp.gnu.org}. Each package should have a subdirectory
-named after the package, and all the distribution files for the package
-should go in that subdirectory.
+We strongly recommend using @code{ftp.gnu.org} to distribute official
+releases. If you want to also distribute the package from a site of
+your own, that is fine. To use some other site instead of
+@code{ftp.gnu.org} is acceptable, provided it allows connections from
+anyone anywhere.
-@c If you have an interest in seeing the monthly download logs from the FTP
-@c site at @code{ftp.gnu.org} for your program, that is something that
-@c @email{ftp-upload@@gnu.org} can set up for you. Please contact them if
-@c you are interested.
+@xref{Automated FTP Uploads}, for the procedural details of putting
+new versions on @code{ftp.gnu.org}.
-@xref{Automated FTP Uploads}, for procedural details of putting new
-versions on @code{ftp.gnu.org}.
@node Test Releases
@section Test Releases
@cindex beta releases
@cindex pretest releases
-@cindex @code{alpha.gnu.org}, ftp site for test releases
+@cindex @code{alpha.gnu.org}, test release site
When you release a greatly changed new major version of a program, you
might want to do so as a pretest. This means that you make a tar file,
but send it only to a group of volunteers that you have recruited. (Use
a suitable GNU mailing list/newsgroup to recruit them.)
-We normally use the FTP server @code{alpha.gnu.org} for pretests and
-prerelease versions. @xref{Automated FTP Uploads}, for procedural details
-of putting new versions on @code{alpha.gnu.org}.
+We normally use the server @code{alpha.gnu.org} for pretests and
+prerelease versions. @xref{Automated FTP Uploads}, for the procedural
+details of putting new versions on @code{alpha.gnu.org}.
Once a program gets to be widely used and people expect it to work
solidly, it is a good idea to do pretest releases before each ``real''
information. Then, you can perform uploads yourself, with no
intervention needed by the system administrators.
-The general idea is that releases should be crytographically signed
+The general idea is that releases should be cryptographically signed
before they are made publicly available.
@menu
* Automated Upload Registration::
* Automated Upload Procedure::
+* FTP Upload Release File Triplet::
+* FTP Upload Directive File::
+* FTP Upload Directory Trees::
+* FTP Upload File Replacement::
+* FTP Upload Standalone Directives::
* FTP Upload Directive File - v1.1::
* FTP Upload Directive File - v1.0::
@end menu
for your GNU package:
@enumerate
-
@item
Create an account for yourself at @url{http://savannah.gnu.org}, if
you don't already have one. By the way, this is also needed to
-maintain the web pages at @url{www.gnu.org} for your project
+maintain the web pages at @url{http://www.gnu.org} for your project
(@pxref{Web Pages}).
@item
In the @samp{My Account Conf} page on @code{savannah}, upload the GPG
-key you will use to sign your packages.
-
-You can create a key with the command @code{gpg --gen-key}. It is
-good to also send your key to the GPG public key server: @code{gpg
---keyserver keys.gnupg.net --send-keys @var{keyid}}, where @var{keyid}
-is the eight hex digits reported by @code{gpg --list-public-keys} on
-the @code{pub} line before the date. For full information about GPG,
-see @url{http://www.gnu.org/software/gpg})
+key (in ASCII-armored format) that you will use to sign your packages.
+If you haven't created one before, you can do so with the command
+@code{gpg --gen-key} (you can accept and/or confirm the default
+answers to its questions). Then, to get the ASCII-armored version,
+run @samp{gpg --export --armor @var{your_key_id}}.
+
+Optional but recommended: Send your key to a GPG public key server:
+@code{gpg --keyserver keys.gnupg.net --send-keys @var{keyid}}, where
+@var{keyid} is the eight hex digits reported by @code{gpg
+--list-public-keys} on the @code{pub} line before the date. For full
+information about GPG, see @url{http://www.gnu.org/software/gpg}.
@item
Compose a message with the following items in some @var{msgfile}.
Then GPG-sign it by running @code{gpg --clearsign @var{msgfile}}, and
-finally email the resulting @file{@var{msgfile}.asc}), to
+finally email the resulting @file{@var{msgfile}.asc} to
@email{ftp-upload@@gnu.org}.
@enumerate
@item
-Name of package(s) that you are the maintainer for, and your
-preferred email address.
+Name of package(s) that you are the maintainer for, your
+preferred email address, and your Savannah username.
@item
-An ASCII armored copy of your GnuPG key, as an attachment. (@samp{gpg
---export -a @var{your_key_id} >mykey.asc} should give you this.)
+The ASCII armored copy of your GPG key, as an attachment.
@item
A list of names and preferred email addresses of other individuals you
don't make all releases yourself).
@item
-ASCII armored copies of GnuPG keys for any individuals listed in (3).
+ASCII armored copies of GPG keys for any individuals listed in (3).
@end enumerate
@end enumerate
The upload system will email receipts to the given email addresses
when an upload is made, either successfully or unsuccessfully.
+Should you later have to update your GPG key, you'll have to re-submit
+it to both Savannah and @email{ftp-upload@@gnu.org}, as these systems
+are not connected.
+
@node Automated Upload Procedure
@subsection Automated Upload Procedure
@cindex uploads
Once you have registered your information as described in the previous
-section, you will be able to do ftp uploads for yourself using the
-following procedure.
-
-For each upload destined for @code{ftp.gnu.org} or
-@code{alpha.gnu.org}, three files (a @dfn{triplet}) need to be
-uploaded via ftp to the host @code{ftp-upload.gnu.org}.
+section, you can and should do ftp uploads for your package. There
+are two basic kinds of uploads (details in the following sections):
@enumerate
@item
-The file to be distributed; for example, @file{foo.tar.gz}.
-
-@item
-Detached GPG binary signature file for (1); for example,
-@file{foo.tar.gz.sig}. Make this with @samp{gpg -b foo.tar.gz}.
-
+Three related files (a ``triplet'') to upload a file destined for
+@code{ftp.gnu.org} or @code{alpha.gnu.org}: @pxref{FTP Upload Release
+File Triplet}.
@item
-A clearsigned @dfn{directive file}; for example,
-@file{foo.tar.gz.directive.asc}. Make this by preparing the plain
-text file @file{foo.tar.gz.directive} and then run @samp{gpg
---clearsign foo.tar.gz.directive}. @xref{FTP Upload Directive File -
-v1.1}, for the contents of the directive file.
+A single (signed) standalone ``directive file'' to perform operations
+on the server: @pxref{FTP Upload Standalone Directives}.
@end enumerate
-The names of the files are important. The signature file must have the
-same name as the file to be distributed, with an additional
-@file{.sig} extension. The directive file must have the same name as
-the file to be distributed, with an additional @file{.directive.asc}
-extension. If you do not follow this naming convention, the upload
-@emph{will not be processed}.
-
-Since v1.1 of the upload script, it is also possible to upload a
-clearsigned directive file on its own (no accompanying @file{.sig} or
-any other file) to perform certain operations on the server.
-@xref{FTP Upload Directive File - v1.1}, for more information.
-
-Upload the file(s) via anonymous ftp to @code{ftp-upload.gnu.org}. If
-the upload is destined for @code{ftp.gnu.org}, place the file(s) in
-the @file{/incoming/ftp} directory. If the upload is destined for
-@code{alpha.gnu.org}, place the file(s) in the @file{/incoming/alpha}
-directory.
+In either case, you upload the file(s) via anonymous ftp to the host
+@code{ftp-upload.gnu.org}. If the upload is destined for
+@code{ftp.gnu.org}, place the file(s) in the directory
+@file{/incoming/ftp}. If the upload is destined for
+@code{alpha.gnu.org}, place the file(s) in the directory
+@file{/incoming/alpha}.
Uploads are processed every five minutes. Uploads that are in
progress while the upload processing script is running are handled
-properly, so do not worry about the timing of your upload. Uploaded
-files that belong to an incomplete triplet are deleted automatically
-after 24 hours.
+properly, so do not worry about the timing of your upload. Spurious
+and stale uploaded files are deleted automatically after 24 hours.
-Your designated upload email addresses (@pxref{Automated Upload Registration})
-are sent a message if there are any problems processing an upload for your
-package. You also receive a message when your upload has been successfully
-processed.
+Your designated upload email addresses (@pxref{Automated Upload
+Registration}) are sent a message if there are problems processing an
+upload for your package. You also receive a message when an upload
+has been successfully processed.
-One automated way to create and transfer the necessary files is to use
-the @code{gnupload} script, which is available from the
+One programmatic way to create and transfer the necessary files is to
+use the @code{gnupload} script, which is available from the
@file{build-aux/} directory of the @code{gnulib} project at
-@url{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/gnulib}. @code{gnupload} can
-also remove uploaded files. Run @code{gnupload --help} for a
-description and examples.
+@url{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/gnulib}. Run
+@code{gnupload@tie{}--help} for a description and examples. (With
+@code{gnupload}, you specify a destination such as
+@samp{ftp.gnu.org:}@var{pkgname} rather than using the
+@samp{ftp-upload} hostname.)
-@code{gnupload} uses the @code{ncftpput} program to do the actual
+@code{gnupload} invokes the program @code{ncftpput} to do the actual
transfers; if you don't happen to have the @code{ncftp} package
installed, the @code{ncftpput-ftp} script in the @file{build-aux/}
-directory of @code{gnulib} serves as a replacement which uses plain
-command line @code{ftp}.
+directory of @code{gnulib} can serve as a replacement. It uses the
+plain command line @code{ftp} program.
If you have difficulties with an upload, email
-@email{ftp-upload@@gnu.org}.
+@email{ftp-upload@@gnu.org}. You can check the archive of uploads
+processed at
+@url{https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/ftp-upload-report}.
-@node FTP Upload Directive File - v1.1
-@subsection FTP Upload Directive File - v1.1
+@node FTP Upload Release File Triplet
+@subsection FTP Upload Release File Triplet
-The directive file name must end in @file{directive.asc}.
+@cindex FTP uploads, of release files
-When part of a triplet, the directive file must always contain the
-directives @code{version}, @code{directory} and @code{filename}, as
-described. In addition, a 'comment' directive is allowed.
+Ordinarily, the goal is to upload a new release of your package, let's
+say, the source archive @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz}. To do this, you
+simultaneously upload three files:
-The @code{version} directive must always have the value @samp{1.1}.
+@enumerate
+@item
+The file to be distributed; in our example, @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz}.
-The @code{directory} directive specifies the final destination
-directory where the uploaded file and its @file{.sig} companion are to
-be placed.
+@item
+Detached GPG binary signature file for (1); for example,
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.sig}. Make this with @samp{gpg -b foo-1.0.tar.gz}.
-The @code{filename} directive must contain the name of the file to be
-distributed (item@tie{}(1) above).
+@item
+A clearsigned @dfn{directive file}; for example,
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive.asc}, created with @samp{gpg
+--clearsign foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive}. Its contents are described in
+the next section.
+@end enumerate
+
+The names of the files are important. The signature file must have
+the same name as the file to be distributed, with an additional
+@file{.sig} extension. The directive file must have the same name as
+the file to be distributed, with an additional @file{.directive.asc}
+extension. If you do not follow this naming convention, the upload
+@emph{will not be processed}.
+
+
+@node FTP Upload Directive File
+@subsection FTP Upload Directive File
+
+@cindex directive file, for FTP uploads
+
+To repeat, a (signed) @dfn{directive file} must be part of every
+upload. The unsigned original is just a plain text file you can
+create with any text editor. Its name must be, e.g.,
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive} for accompanying an upload of
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz}.
+
+After creating the file, run @samp{gpg --clearsign
+foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive}, which will create
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive.asc}; this is the file to be uploaded.
+
+When part of a triplet for uploading a release file, the directive
+file must always contain the directives @code{version},
+@code{filename} and @code{directory}. In addition, a @code{comment}
+directive is optional. These directives can be given in any order.
+
+Continuing our example of uploading @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz} for a
+package named @code{foo} to @code{ftp.gnu.org}, the values would be as
+follows:
+
+@table @code
+@item version
+must be the value @samp{1.2} (the current version, as of May@tie{}2012):@*
+@t{version: 1.2}
-For example, as part of an uploaded triplet, a
-@file{foo.tar.gz.directive.asc} file might contain these lines (before
-being gpg clearsigned):
+@item filename
+must be the name of the file to be distributed:@*
+@t{filename: foo-1.0.tar.gz}
+
+@item directory
+specifies the final destination directory where the uploaded file and
+its @file{.sig} companion are to be placed. Here we will put our file
+in the top level directory of the package, as is the most common
+practice:@*
+@t{directory: foo}
+
+@item comment
+is optional, and ignored if present:@*
+@t{comment: let's hope this works!}
+@end table
+
+Putting all of the above together, the complete contents of the
+directive file @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive} for our example would
+be:
@example
-version: 1.1
-directory: bar/v1
-filename: foo.tar.gz
-comment: hello world!
+version: 1.2
+directory: foo
+filename: foo-1.0.tar.gz
+comment: let's hope this works!
@end example
-This directory line indicates that @file{foo.tar.gz} and
-@file{foo.tar.gz.sig} are part of package @code{bar}. If you uploaded
-this triplet to @file{/incoming/ftp} and the system positively
-authenticates the signatures, the files @file{foo.tar.gz} and
-@file{foo.tar.gz.sig} will be placed in the directory
-@file{gnu/bar/v1} of the @code{ftp.gnu.org} site.
+Then you @samp{gpg --clearsign} the file as given above, and upload
+(using anonymous ftp) the three files:
-The directive file can be used to create currently non-existent
-directory trees, as long as they are under the package directory for
-your package (in the example above, that is @code{bar}).
+@table @file
+@item foo-1.0.tar.gz
+@item foo-1.0.tar.gz.sig
+@item foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive.asc
+@end table
-If you upload a file that already exists in the FTP directory, the
-original will simply be archived and replaced with the new upload.
+@noindent to the host @file{ftp-upload.gnu.org}, directory
+@file{/incoming/ftp} (for official releases), or the directory
+@file{/incoming/alpha} (for test releases).
-@subheading Standalone directives
+After the system authenticates the signatures, the files
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz} and @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.sig} are placed in
+the directory @file{gnu/foo/} on @code{ftp.gnu.org}. That is, we'll
+have made our release available at
+@indicateurl{http://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/foo/foo-1.0.tar.gz} (and then from
+our many mirrors via
+@indicateurl{http://ftpmirror.gnu.org/foo/foo-1.0.tar.gz}). Whew.
-When uploaded by itself, the directive file must contain one or more
-of the directives @code{symlink}, @code{rmsymlink} or @code{archive},
-in addition to the obligatory @code{directory} and @code{version}
-directives. A @code{filename} directive is not allowed, and a
-@code{comment} directive remains optional.
+A common reason for the upload not succeeding is your GPG signature
+not being registered with the upload system. There is nothing that
+makes this happen automatically. You must email the system
+administrators as described above (@pxref{Automated Upload
+Registration}).
-If you use more than one directive, the directives are executed in the
-sequence they are specified in. If a directive results in an error,
-further execution of the upload is aborted.
-Removing a symbolic link (with @code{rmsymlink}) which does not exist
-results in an error. However, attempting to create a symbolic link
-that already exists (with @code{symlink}) is not an error. In this
-case @code{symlink} behaves like the command @command{ln -s -f}: any
-existing symlink is removed before creating the link. (But an
-existing regular file or directory is not removed.)
+@node FTP Upload Directory Trees
+@subsection FTP Upload Directory Trees
+
+@cindex directory trees, in ftp uploads
+@cindex hierarchy, under ftp upload directory
+@cindex uploads, directory trees in
+
+You can make any directory hierarchy you like under your package
+directory. The system automatically creates any intermediate
+directories you specify in the @code{directory} directive.
-Here are a few examples. The first removes a symlink:
+Slightly modifying the example above, the following directive file:
@example
-version: 1.1
-directory: bar/v1
-rmsymlink: foo-latest.tgz
-comment: remove a symlink
+version: 1.2
+directory: foo/foo-1.0
+filename: foo-1.0.tar.gz
+comment: creates per-version subdirectory as needed
@end example
@noindent
-Archive an old file, taking it offline:
+would put the tar file in the @file{foo-1.0/} subdirectory of the
+package @code{foo}, thus ending up at
+@indicateurl{ftp.gnu.org:gnu/foo/foo-1.0/foo-1.0.tar.gz}.
+
+However, to keep things simpler for users, we recommend not using
+subdirectories, unless perhaps each release of your package consists
+of many separate files.
+
+
+@node FTP Upload File Replacement
+@subsection FTP Upload File Replacement
+
+@cindex replacing uploaded files
+@cindex uploads, replacing
+
+You can replace existing files that have already been uploaded by
+including a directive line @code{replace:@tie{}true}. For example,
+you might like to provide a README file in the release directory and
+update it from time to time. The full directive file for that would
+look like this:
@example
-version: 1.1
-directory: bar/v1
-archive: foo-1.1.tar.gz
-comment: archive an old file; it will not be available through FTP anymore
+replace: true
+version: 1.2
+directory: foo
+filename: README
+comment: replaces an existing README
@end example
-@noindent
-Archive an old directory (with all contents), taking it offline:
+It is ok if the file to be replaced doesn't already exist; then the
+new file is simply added, i.e., the @file{replace} directive has no
+effect.
+
+When an existing file is replaced, the original is archived to a
+private location. There is no automated or public access to such
+archived files; if you want to retrieve or view them, please email
+@email{sysadmin@@fsf.org}.
+
+We very strongly discourage replacing an actual software release file,
+such as @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz}. Releases should be unique, and
+forever. If you need to make fixes, make another release. If you
+have an exigent reason for a particular release file to no longer be
+available, it can be explicitly archived, as described in the next
+section.
+
+If you want to make the current release available under a generic
+name, such as @code{foo-latest.tar.gz}, that is better done with
+symlinks, also as described in the next section.
+
+
+@node FTP Upload Standalone Directives
+@subsection FTP Upload Standalone Directives
+
+@cindex standalone directives, for ftp uploads
+@cindex directives for ftp uploads, standalone
+
+The previous sections describe how to upload a file to be publicly
+released. It's also possible to upload a directive file by itself to
+perform a few operations on the upload directory. The supported
+directives are:
+
+@table @code
+@item symlink
+creates a symlink.
+
+@item rmsymlink
+removes a symlink.
+
+@item archive
+takes a file or directory offline.
+@end table
+
+As for the directives described above, the @code{directory} and
+@code{version} directives are still required, the @code{comment}
+directive remains optional, and the @code{filename} directive is not
+allowed.
+
+When uploaded by itself, the name of the directive file is not
+important. But it must be still be signed, using @samp{gpg
+--clearsign}; the resulting @file{.asc} file is what should be
+uploaded.
+
+Here's an example of the full directive file to create a
+@file{foo-latest.tar.gz} symlink:
@example
-version: 1.1
-directory: bar/v1
-archive: foo
-comment: archive an old directory; it will not be available through FTP anymore
+version: 1.2
+directory: foo
+symlink: foo-1.1.tar.gz foo-latest.tar.gz
+comment: create a symlink
@end example
-@noindent
-Create a new symlink:
+If you include more than one directive in a standalone upload, the
+directives are executed in the sequence they are specified in. If a
+directive results in an error, further execution of the upload is
+aborted.
+
+Removing a symbolic link (with @code{rmsymlink}) which does not exist
+results in an error. On the other hand, attempting to create a
+symbolic link that already exists (with @code{symlink}) is not an
+error. In this case @code{symlink} behaves like the command
+@command{ln -s -f}: any existing symlink is removed before creating
+the link. (But an existing regular file or directory is not replaced.)
+
+Here's an example of removing a symlink, e.g., if you decide not to
+maintain a @file{foo-latest} link any more:
@example
-version: 1.1
-directory: bar/v1
-symlink: foo-1.2.tar.gz foo-latest.tgz
-comment: create a new symlink
+version: 1.2
+directory: foo
+rmsymlink: foo-latest.tar.gz
+comment: remove a symlink
@end example
@noindent
-Do everything at once:
+And here's an example of archiving a file, e.g., an unintended upload:
@example
-version: 1.1
-directory: bar/v1
-rmsymlink: foo-latest.tgz
-symlink: foo-1.2.tar.gz foo-latest.tgz
-archive: foo-1.1.tar.gz
-comment: now do everything at once
+version: 1.2
+directory: foo
+archive: foo-1.1x.tar.gz
+comment: archive an old file; it will not be
+comment: publicly available any more.
@end example
+The @code{archive} directive causes the specified items to become
+inaccessible. This should only be used when it is actively bad for
+them to be available, e.g., you uploaded something by mistake.
+
+If all you want to do is reduce how much stuff is in your release
+directory, an alternative is to email @email{sysadmin@@fsf.org} and
+ask them to move old items to the @file{http://ftp.gnu.org/old-gnu/}
+directory; then they will still be available. In general, however, we
+recommend leaving all official releases in the main release directory.
+
+
+@node FTP Upload Directive File - v1.1
+@subsection FTP Upload Directive File - v1.1
+
+The v1.1 protocol for uploads lacked the @code{replace} directive;
+instead, file replacements were done automatically and silently
+(clearly undesirable). This is the only difference between v1.2 and
+v1.1.
+
@node FTP Upload Directive File - v1.0
@subsection FTP Upload Directive File - v1.0
-@dfn{As of June 2006, the upload script is running in compatibility
-mode, allowing uploads with either version@tie{}1.1 or
-version@tie{}1.0 of the directive file syntax. Support for v1.0
-uploads will be phased out by the end of 2006, so please upgrade
-to@tie{}v1.1.}
+Support for v1.0 uploads was discontinued in May 2012; please upgrade
+to@tie{}v1.2.
-The directive file should contain one line, excluding the clearsigned
-data GPG that inserts, which specifies the final destination directory
-where items (1) and (2) are to be placed.
+In v1.0, the directive file contained one line, excluding the
+clearsigned data GPG that inserts, which specifies the final
+destination directory where items (1) and (2) are to be placed.
-For example, the @file{foo.tar.gz.directive.asc} file might contain the
+For example, the @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.directive.asc} file might contain the
single line:
@example
directory: bar/v1
@end example
-This directory line indicates that @file{foo.tar.gz} and
-@file{foo.tar.gz.sig} are part of package @code{bar}. If you were to
+This directory line indicates that @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz} and
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.sig} are part of package @code{bar}. If you were to
upload the triplet to @file{/incoming/ftp}, and the system can
positively authenticate the signatures, then the files
-@file{foo.tar.gz} and @file{foo.tar.gz.sig} will be placed in the
+@file{foo-1.0.tar.gz} and @file{foo-1.0.tar.gz.sig} will be placed in the
directory @file{gnu/bar/v1} of the @code{ftp.gnu.org} site.
The directive file can be used to create currently non-existent
@cindex @url{http://planet.gnu.org}
@cindex Savannah, news area
Please also post release announcements in the news section of your
-Savannah project site. It is fine to also write news entries for test
-releases and any other newsworthy events. The news feeds from all GNU
-projects at savannah are aggregated at @url{http://planet.gnu.org}
-(GNU Planet). You can also post items directly, or arrange for feeds
-from other locations; see contact information on the GNU Planet web
-page.
+Savannah project site. Here, it is fine to also write news entries
+for test releases and any other newsworthy events. The news feeds
+from all GNU projects at savannah are aggregated at
+@url{http://planet.gnu.org} (GNU Planet), unless the text of the entry
+contains the string @samp{::noplanet::}. You can also post items
+directly, or arrange for feeds from other locations; see information
+on the GNU Planet web page.
@cindex announcement mailing list, project-specific
You can maintain your own mailing list (typically
-@email{info-@var{program}@@gnu.org}) for announcements as well if you
+@indicateurl{info-@var{package}@@gnu.org}) for announcements as well if you
like. For your own list, of course you decide as you see fit what
-events are worth announcing. (@xref{Mail}, for more suggestions on
-handling mail for your package.)
+events are worth announcing. (@xref{Mail}, for setting this up, and
+more suggestions on handling mail for your package.)
@cindex contents of announcements
When writing an announcement, please include the following:
@item
Your package's download location (normally
@indicateurl{http://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/@var{package}/}). It is also
-useful to mention the FTP mirror list at
+useful to mention the mirror list at
@url{http://www.gnu.org/order/ftp.html}, and that
-@url{http://ftpmirror.gnu.org/@var{package/}} will automatically
+@indicateurl{http://ftpmirror.gnu.org/@var{package/}} will automatically
redirect to a nearby mirror.
@item
-The NEWS (@pxref{NEWS File,,, standards, GNU Coding Standards}) for
+The @t{NEWS} (@pxref{NEWS File,,, standards, GNU Coding Standards}) for
the present release.
@end itemize
+You may find the @file{announce-gen} script useful for creating
+announcements, which is available from the @file{build-aux/} directory
+of the @code{gnulib} project at
+@url{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/gnulib}.
+
@node Web Pages
@chapter Web Pages
@cindex web pages
-Please write web pages about your package for installation on
+Please write web pages about your package, and install them on
@code{www.gnu.org}. They should follow our usual standards for web
-pages (see @url{http://www.gnu.org/server/fsf-html-style-sheet.html}).
+pages (see @url{http://www.gnu.org/server/@/fsf-html-style-sheet.html}).
The overall goals are to support a wide variety of browsers, to focus
on information rather than flashy eye candy, and to keep the site
simple and uniform.
+We encourage you to use the standard @code{www.gnu.org} template as
+the basis for your pages:
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/server/@/standards/@/boilerplate-source.html}.
+
Some GNU packages have just simple web pages, but the more information
you provide, the better. So please write as much as you usefully can,
and put all of it on @code{www.gnu.org}. However, pages that access
-databases (including mail logs and bug tracking) are an exception; set
-them up on whatever site is convenient for you, and make the pages on
-@code{www.gnu.org} link to that site.
+databases (including mail archives and bug tracking) are an exception;
+set them up on whatever site is convenient for you, and make the pages
+on @code{www.gnu.org} link to that site.
@menu
* Hosting for Web Pages::
* CVS Keywords in Web Pages::
@end menu
+
@node Hosting for Web Pages
@section Hosting for Web Pages
+@cindex web pages, hosting for
The best way to maintain the web pages for your project is to register
the project on @code{savannah.gnu.org}. Then you can edit the pages
instance, you can mail them pages to install, if necessary. But that
is more work for them, so please use Savannah if you can.
-If you use Savannah, you can use a special @file{.symlinks} file in
-order to create symbolic links, which are not supported in CVS. For
-details, see
+If you use Savannah, you can use a special file named @file{.symlinks}
+in order to create symbolic links, which are not supported in CVS.
+For details, see
@url{http://www.gnu.org/server/standards/README.webmastering.html#symlinks}.
@node Freedom for Web Pages
@section Freedom for Web Pages
+@cindex web pages, freedom for
If you use a site other than @code{www.gnu.org}, please make sure that
the site runs on free software alone. (It is ok if the site uses
@node Manuals on Web Pages
@section Manuals on Web Pages
+@cindex web pages, including manuals on
+@cindex formats for documentation, desired
The web pages for the package should include its manuals, in HTML,
-DVI, Info, PostScript, PDF, plain ASCII, and Texinfo format (source).
-All of these can be generated automatically from the Texinfo source
-using Makeinfo and other programs.
+DVI, Info, PDF, plain ASCII, and the source Texinfo. All of these can
+be generated automatically from Texinfo using Makeinfo and other
+programs. If the Texinfo itself is generated from some other source
+format, include that too.
When there is only one manual, put it in a subdirectory called
@file{manual}; the file @file{manual/index.html} should have a link to
See the section below for details on a script to make the job of
creating all these different formats and index pages easier.
-We would like to include links to all GNU manuals on the page
-@url{http://www.gnu.org/manual}, so if yours isn't listed, please send
-mail to @code{webmasters@@gnu.org} telling them the name of your
-package and asking them to edit @url{http://www.gnu.org/manual}, and
-they will do so based on the contents of your @file{manual} directory.
+We would like to list all GNU manuals on the page
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/manual}, so if yours isn't there, please send
+mail to @code{webmasters@@gnu.org}, asking them to add yours, and they
+will do so based on the contents of your @file{manual} directory.
@menu
* Invoking gendocs.sh::
@subsection Invoking @command{gendocs.sh}
@pindex gendocs.sh
@cindex generating documentation output
+@cindex documentation output, generating
The script @command{gendocs.sh} eases the task of generating the
Texinfo documentation output for your web pages
@end smallexample
@noindent where @var{yourmanual} is the short name for your package
-and @var{yourbuglist} is the email address for bug reports (typically
-@code{bug-@var{package}@@gnu.org}). The script processes the file
-@file{@var{yourmanual}.texinfo} (or @file{.texi} or @file{.txi}). For
-example:
+and @var{yourbuglist} is the email address for bug reports (which
+should be @code{bug-@var{package}@@gnu.org}). The script processes
+the file @file{@var{yourmanual}.texinfo} (or @file{.texi} or
+@file{.txi}). For example:
@smallexample
-cd .../emacs/man
+cd .../texinfo/doc
# download gendocs.sh and gendocs_template
-gendocs.sh --email bug-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org emacs "GNU Emacs manual"
+gendocs.sh --email bug-texinfo@@gnu.org texinfo "GNU Texinfo manual"
@end smallexample
@command{gendocs.sh} creates a subdirectory @file{manual/} containing
gendocs.sh --email bug-texinfo@@gnu.org -o info-stnd info-stnd "GNU info-stnd manual"
@end smallexample
-By default, the script uses @command{makeinfo} for generating
-@acronym{HTML} output. If you prefer to use @command{texi2html}, use
-the @option{--texi2html} command line option, e.g.:
+By default, the script uses @command{makeinfo} for generating HTML
+output. If you prefer to use @command{texi2html}, use the
+@option{--texi2html} command line option, e.g.:
@smallexample
gendocs --texi2html -o texinfo texinfo "GNU Texinfo manual"
and chapters).
You can set the environment variables @env{MAKEINFO}, @env{TEXI2DVI},
-@env{TEXI2HTML} and @env{DVIPS} to control the programs that get
-executed, and @env{GENDOCS_TEMPLATE_DIR} to control where the
+etc., to control the programs that get executed, and
+@env{GENDOCS_TEMPLATE_DIR} to control where the
@file{gendocs_template} file is found.
As usual, run @samp{gendocs.sh --help} for a description of all the
options, environment variables, and more information.
Please email bug reports, enhancement requests, or other
-correspondence to @email{bug-texinfo@@gnu.org}.
+correspondence about @command{gendocs} to @email{bug-texinfo@@gnu.org}.
@node CVS Keywords in Web Pages
cvs add -ko @var{file1} @var{file2} ...
@end example
-@xref{Keyword substitution,,,cvs,Version Management with CVS}.
+@c The CVS manual is now built with numeric references and no nonsplit
+@c form, so it's not worth trying to give a direct link.
+See the ``Keyword Substitution'' section in the CVS manual, available
+at @url{http://ximbiot.com/cvs/manual}.
In Texinfo source, the recommended way to literally specify a
``dollar'' keyword is:
are some patents which we know are likely to be used to threaten free
software, so we make an effort to avoid the patented techniques. If
you are concerned about the danger of a patent and would like advice,
-write to @email{maintainers@@gnu.org}, and we will try to help you get
+write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}, and we will try to help you get
advice from a lawyer.
Sometimes the GNU project takes a strong stand against a particular
serious about the need for free documentation, we must not contradict
our position by recommending use of documentation that isn't free.
+Please don't host discussions about your package in a service that
+requires nonfree software. For instance, Google+ ``communities''
+require running a nonfree JavaScript program to post a message, so
+they can't be used in the Free World. To host discussions there would
+be excluding people who live by free software principles.
+
+Of course, you can't order people not to use such services to talk
+with each other. What you can do is not legitimize them, and use your
+influence to lead people away from them. For instance, where you say
+where to have discussions related to the program, don't list such a
+place.
+
Finally, new issues concerning the ethics of software freedom come up
frequently. We ask that GNU maintainers, at least on matters that
pertain specifically to their package, stand with the rest of the GNU
@node Free Software and Open Source
@section Free Software and Open Source
-@cindex free software
+@cindex free software movement
@cindex open source
-@cindex movements, Free Software and Open Source
-
-The terms ``free software'' and ``open source'' are the slogans of two
-different movements which differ in their basic philosophy. The Free
-Software Movement is idealistic, and raises issues of freedom, ethics,
-principle and what makes for a good society. The Open Source Movement,
-founded in 1998, studiously avoids such questions. For more explanation,
-see @url{http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html}.
-
-The GNU Project is aligned with the Free Software Movement. This
+@cindex movement, free software
+@cindex development method, open source
+
+The terms ``free software'' and ``open source'', while describing
+almost the same category of software, stand for views based on
+fundamentally different values. The free software movement is
+idealistic, and raises issues of freedom, ethics, principle and what
+makes for a good society. The term open source, initiated in 1998, is
+associated with a philosophy which studiously avoids such questions.
+For a detailed explanation, see
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html}.
+
+The GNU Project is aligned with the free software movement. This
doesn't mean that all GNU contributors and maintainers have to agree;
your views on these issues are up to you, and you're entitled to express
them when speaking for yourself.
-However, due to the much greater publicity that the Open Source
-Movement receives, the GNU Project needs to overcome a widespread
-mistaken impression that GNU is @emph{and always was} an activity of
-the Open Source Movement. For this reason, please use the term ``free
+However, due to the much greater publicity that the term ``open source''
+receives, the GNU Project needs to overcome a widespread
+mistaken impression that GNU is @emph{and always was} an ``open
+source'' activity. For this reason, please use the term ``free
software'', not ``open source'', in GNU software releases, GNU
documentation, and announcements and articles that you publish in your
role as the maintainer of a GNU package. A reference to the URL given
above, to explain the difference, is a useful thing to include as
well.
+
@node GNU and Linux
@section GNU and Linux
@cindex Linux
precisely, they know about it, but don't realize it is the GNU Project's
accomplishment and reason for existence. Even people who believe they
know the real history often believe that the goal of GNU was to develop
-``tools'' or ``utilities.''
+``tools'' or ``utilities''.
To correct this confusion, we have made a years-long effort to
distinguish between Linux, the kernel that Linus Torvalds wrote, and
terminology and its reasons, you can refer to the URL
@url{http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html}.
+To make it clear that Linux is a kernel, not an operating system,
+please take care to avoid using the term ``Linux system'' in those
+materials. If you want to have occasion to make a statement about
+systems in which the kernel is Linux, write ``systems in which the
+kernel is Linux'' or ``systems with Linux as the kernel.'' That
+explicitly contrasts the system and the kernel, and will help readers
+understand the difference between the two. Please avoid simplified
+forms such as ``Linux-based systems'' because those fail to highlight
+the difference between the kernel and the system, and could encourage
+readers to overlook the distinction.
+
To contrast the GNU system properly with respect to GNU/Linux, you can
-call it ``GNU/Hurd'' or ``the GNU/Hurd system.'' However, when that
+call it ``GNU/Hurd'' or ``the GNU/Hurd system''. However, when that
contrast is not specifically the focus, please call it just ``GNU'' or
-``the GNU system.''
+``the GNU system''.
When referring to the collection of servers that is the higher level
-of the GNU kernel, please call it ``the Hurd'' or ``the GNU Hurd.''
+of the GNU kernel, please call it ``the Hurd'' or ``the GNU Hurd''.
Note that this uses a space, not a slash.
+@node Interviews and Speeches
+@chapter Interviews and Speeches
+
+Interviews and speeches about your package are an important channel
+for informing the public about the GNU system and the ideas of the
+free software movement. Please avoid saying ``open source'' and avoid
+calling the GNU system ``Linux'', just as you would in the package
+itself (@pxref{Terminology}). Likewise, avoid promoting nonfree
+programs (@pxref{References,,, standards, GNU Coding
+Standards}) as you would in the package itself.
+
+Many GNU users have erroneous ideas about GNU. Outside of our
+community, most people think it is Linux. Please use your opportunity
+to set them straight. Start the presentation with the answers to
+these basic questions:
+
+@itemize @bullet
+@item
+What GNU is (an operating system developed to be Unix-like and totally
+free software). It is good to mention @url{http://www.gnu.org}.
+
+@item
+What free software is (the users control it, so it doesn't control
+them). It is good to state the four freedoms and/or refer to
+@url{http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html}.
+
+@item
+What GNU/Linux is (Linux filled the last gap in GNU). It is useful to
+refer to @url{http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html}.
+
+@item
+What the GNU Project is (the project to develop GNU).
+
+@item
+How your package fits in (it's part of GNU, and the work is part of
+the GNU Project).
+@end itemize
+
+If you feel a social pressure not to say these things, you may be
+coming in contact with some who would prefer that these things not be
+said. That's precisely when we need your support most.
+
+Please don't include advertisements or plugs for any company, product
+or service. Even if the product would meet the standards for the FSF
+to endorse it, an ad for it is out of place in a presentation about a
+GNU package. Likewise, please don't include company slogans. Mention
+a company only when called for by the subject matter.
+
+A few GNU packages are actually business activities of a particular
+company. In that case, it is ok to say so at the start. Otherwise,
+please show that this is a project of the GNU Project, and avoid
+suggesting it is any company's project.
+
+If you are paid by a company to work on the GNU package, it is
+appropriate to thank the company in a discreet way, but please don't
+go beyond that.
+
+Before you do a speech or interview, please contact the GNU Project
+leadership. We can give you advice on how to deal with various
+eventualities.
+
+When your interviews and speech recordings or transcript are posted,
+please tell us about them. Then we can publicize them.
+
+Please post them in formats that are friendly to free software: not in
+Doc or Docx format, not with Flash, not with QuickTime, not with MP3,
+MPEG2 or MPEG4. Plain text, HTML and PDF are good.
+
@node Hosting
@chapter Hosting
@cindex CVS repository
@cindex source repository
@cindex version control system
@cindex FTP site
+@cindex release site
@cindex hosting
We recommend using @code{savannah.gnu.org} for the source code
-repository for your package, and, even more so, using
-@code{ftp.gnu.org} as the standard distribution site. Doing so makes
-it easier for developers and users to find the latest GNU releases.
-@xref{Old Versions}, for more information about Savannah.
-
-However, it is ok to use other machines if you wish. If you use a
-company's machine to hold the repository for your program, or as its
-ftp site, please put this statement in a prominent place on the site,
-so as to prevent people from getting the wrong idea about the
-relationship between the package and the company:
+repository for your package, but that's not required. @xref{Old
+Versions}, for more information about Savannah.
+
+We strongly urge you to use @code{ftp.gnu.org} as the standard
+distribution site for releases. Doing so makes it easier for
+developers and users to find the latest GNU releases. However, it is
+ok to use another server if you wish, provided it allows access from
+the general public without limitation (for instance, without excluding
+any country).
+
+If you use a company's machine to hold the repository for your
+program, or as its release distribution site, please put this
+statement in a prominent place on the site, so as to prevent people
+from getting the wrong idea about the relationship between the package
+and the company:
@smallexample
The programs <list of them> hosted here are free software packages
information, see http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html.
If you are looking for service or support for GNU software, see
-http://www.gnu.org/help/gethelp.html for suggestions of where to ask.
+http://www.gnu.org/gethelp/ for suggestions of where to ask.
If you would like to contribute to the development of one of these
packages, contact the package maintainer or the bug-reporting address
@end smallexample
+@node Donations
+@chapter Donations
+@cindex Donations, for packages
+@cindex Money, donated to packages
+
+As a maintainer, you might want to accept donations for your work,
+especially if you pay for any of your own hosting/development
+infrastructure. Following is some text you can adapt to your own
+situation, and use on your package's web site, @file{README}, or
+in wherever way you find it useful:
+
+@smallexample
+We appreciate contributions of any size -- donations enable us to spend
+more time working on the project, and help cover our infrastructure
+expenses.
+
+If you'd like to make a small donation, please visit @var{url1} and do
+it through @var{payment-service}. Since our project isn't a
+tax-exempt organization, we can't offer you a tax deduction, but for
+all donations over @var{amount1}, we'd be happy to recognize your
+contribution on @var{url2}.
+
+We are also happy to consider making particular improvements or
+changes, or giving specific technical assistance, in return for a
+substantial donation over @var{amount2}. If you would like to discuss
+this possibility, write to us at @var{address}.
+
+Another possibility is to pay a software maintenance fee. Again,
+write to us about this at @var{address} to discuss how much you want
+to pay and how much maintenance we can offer in return. If you pay
+more than @var{amount1}, we can give you a document for your records.
+
+Thanks for your support!
+@end smallexample
+
+We don't recommend any specific payment service. However, GNU
+developers should not use a service that requires them to sign a
+proprietary software license, such as Google's payment service.
+Please also avoid sites that requires users to run nonfree software in
+order to donate. (This includes JavaScript software, so try it with
+LibreJS or with JavaScript disabled.)
+
+In the text you post on the site, please pay attention to the
+terminological issues we care about (@pxref{Terminology}).
+
+We have no objections to using Bitcoin to receive donations.
+
+The FSF can collect donations for a limited number of projects; if you
+want to propose that for your project, write to
+@email{maintainers@@gnu.org}. The FSF is required to supervise the
+spending of these funds.
+
+Of course, it is also good to encourage people to join the FSF
+(@url{http://www.fsf.org}) or make a general donation, either instead
+of or as well as package-specific donations.
+
+
@node Free Software Directory
@chapter Free Software Directory
@cindex Free Software Directory
projects / gnulib.git / blobdiff