Peter Dimov wrote:
Only if it constitutes an original work. If I create a file with an exact copy of something you wrote, I do not and cannot automatically obtain copyright on it. I need to introduce non-trivial original changes in order to be able to claim copyright on them. If the only thing I introduce is a copyright line that pronounces that I'm the author, I would definitely be on shaky moral and legal ground.
It seems as if we are talking about different things. I am saying that we need the copyright in all files, else there is nothing that gives a possible downloader the right to do so. I was not about to claim that simply copying by typing and adding me as the author changes anything on the rights of the original author. I just wanted to remind, that it is not necessary to claim copyright. You just have it, even if not explicitely stated. (How to prove this fact is another issue.) I reiterate: Boost (or the original authors) need to be explicit in giving the right to users to copy the files. Roland