License to Pick :)

[mahesh2k]

  I've trouble picking license for the software,actually there are so many licenses to choose from like creative
commons,opensource,GPL,mozilla,BSD etc.While distributing application i want to release the software as free

but i want:

1. Restrict user for derivative or branching,that means no branching at all.
2. Allow user to modify source but merge the source back to main software.
3. User can't sell the software without permission from any cd compilation
4. All the developers/contributors in any way of software credited on some text file.

What do you think which license is good for me? Is there any site or blog that discuss license issues or helps picking it? 

[mouser]

I'd love if we could build a list of resources for helping choose licenses.

[f0dder]

Haven't heard of a specific license that does what you want, but it certainly isn't the GPL . You might have to roll your own license, and you'll be attacked by the GPL zealots who'll claim that the license isn't open, free, whatever.

[mouser]

I just had a really fun idea:

My program "The Form Letter Machine" could be used to build a really nice "tree" which would allow you to build your own licenses on the fly by choosing from options.

All it takes is someone to design a tree for it.  And others could submit various choices and paragraphs as well.

The only downside is my program is Windows-only.  Even better would be a cross platform (wxwidgets) version of a similar tool for linux/mac.

[Lashiec]

Yes, that sounds like you need a custom license. A bit of a shameless plug, but this article I referenced here might help you.

(Now that I think about it, I should have posted that here, instead of "Living Room"...)