[Fsf-Debian] Deciding how Debian depends/recommends non-free packages

[Michael Gilbert]

Hi,

The Debian Technical Committee is currently in the process of deciding
how packages will be allowed to annotate alternative
dependencies/recommendations/suggestions on non-free packages.  For
example, right now "Depends: foo-free | foo-nonfree" is allowable.
One of the potential choices is disallowing that, and only allowing
virtual package entries in such cases so that you would have "Depends:
foo-virtual" and foo-free and foo-nonfree provide foo-virtual.

Since we're trying to improve collaboration with the FSF, and since
this matter is likely of fundamental interest to the FSF, I was
wondering if one of the FSF representatives would like to weigh in on
that discussion?  Hopefully your external viewpoint will help the
committee make the best, well-rounded decision.

The bug report is here:
http://bugs.debian.org/681419

Best wishes,
Mike