Roy, WRT "I have a right to the API if I've bought the product", would
it be useful to add, maybe as a subpoint, "I have a right to implement
the API in an open source product even if I've signed an NDA dealing
with that API"? I understand vendor's (perceived) need for non
disclosure statements, but one barrier to integrating vendor black boxes
is not being able to proliferate their secret APIs.

Mark

Roy Tennant wrote:
> I have a presentation coming up and I'm considering doing what I'm calling a
> "Library Software Manifesto". Some of the following may not be completely
> understandable on the face of it, and I would be explaining the meaning
> during the presentation, but this is what I have so far and I'd be
> interested in other ideas this group has or comments on this. Thanks,
> Roy
>
> Consumer Rights
>
> - I have a right to use what I buy
> - I have a right to the API if I've bought the product
> - I have a right to accurate, complete documentation
> - I have a right to my data
> - I have a right to not have simple things needlessly complicated
>
> Consumer Responsibilities
>
> - I have a responsibility to communicate my needs clearly and specifically
> - I have a responsibility to report reproducible bugs in a way as to
> facilitate reproducing it
> - I have a responsibility to report irreproducible bugs with as much detail
> as I can provide
> - I have a responsibility to request new features responsibly
> - I have a responsibility to view any adjustments to default settings
> critically

--
Mark Jordan
Head of Library Systems
W.A.C. Bennett Library, Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada
Voice: 778.782.6959 / Fax: 778.782.3023
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