Re: Freeware vs PD (was: filesystem programs)

[Pim Blokland <pDOTblokland@spcgroup.nl>]

Dan Bethe wrote:
> 
>         "freeware" typically describes the distribution of an item.  Meaning
> that it comes free of cost.  But it's not really free because you don't
> get everything with that free distribution -- only a working binary
> program, not always source and docs.  Public domain tends to mean that
> the whole thing can float around like air, without the typical myth of
> an "owner".

This is not to say that your post wasn't an interesting one, but my
question still stands.
I understand the explanation about the difference between freeware and
public domain. But I've also seen lots of programs that have been
labeled freeware by the author which should have been designated public
domain, and vice versa.
So my question was: if an author erroneously labels his software public
domain, while he should have said freeware, does this formally mean that
he is giving up all rights to it? That when people ask him for the
sources, etc, he is obliged to give it to them? That sort of legal stuff
is what I meant.

And the reason I ask is (you'd never guess!) I uploaded some stuff I
wrote and actually wrote in the docs "This is public domain". So, you'll
understand my anxiety.
-- 
Pim Blokland
if replying by e-mail, replace the DOT in my name with a dot.