Church Of The Flying Spaghetti Monster License
If you haven't heard of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, also known as Pastafarianism, it's a satirical religion that was created to critique the teaching of intelligent design in schools. The church believes in a deity called the Flying Spaghetti Monster who created the universe with his noodly appendages.
One of the most interesting things about the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is their use of the Open Source movement to promote their message. In 2015, the church released a software license called the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License (CFSL) that is based on the GNU General Public License (GPL).
What is an Open Source License?
An open source license is a type of software license that allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software. The license typically requires that any modifications or distributions of the software be released under the same license, ensuring that the software remains open source.
Open source licenses have become increasingly popular over the past few decades as a way to promote collaboration and innovation in the software industry. Many of the world's most popular software projects, such as Linux and Apache, are released under open source licenses.
How Does the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License Work?
The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License is based on the GNU General Public License, which is one of the most widely used open source licenses. The CFSL is designed to be a fun and lighthearted way to promote the values of open source software and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
The CFSL requires that any modifications or distributions of the software be accompanied by a written statement that says "I have been touched by his noodly appendage". This statement is meant to be a humorous nod to the church's beliefs and to promote the message of the church.
The CFSL also requires that any derivative works of the software be released under the same license, ensuring that the software remains open source and that the message of the church continues to spread.
Is the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License Legally Binding?
The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License is not legally binding in the traditional sense. It is not a legal document that can be enforced in a court of law. However, it is still an important tool for promoting the message of the church and for encouraging the use of open source software.
While the CFSL may not be legally binding, it is still important to take it seriously and to follow its requirements. By doing so, you can help promote the values of open source software and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Conclusion
The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License is a fun and lighthearted way to promote the values of open source software and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. While it may not be legally binding, it is still an important tool for spreading the message of the church and for encouraging the use of open source software.
Whether you're a Pastafarian or just someone who believes in the values of open source software, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster License is a great way to show your support and to help promote these important ideals.
