feature request: use_ccby_license()

[njtierney]

Hello!

I was wondering if there might be interest in a use_ccby_license() function?

Happy to submit a PR, if that is of interest.

Cheers,

Nick

[hadley]

I don't think that's terribly appropriate since it's not a code license?

[njtierney]

Sure, it isn't a code license, but it is very frequently used for data sources, which is the use case I had. Let me know if you think that is in scope for usethis, otherwise this sort of function could live in a package for data sharing, if that might be more appropriate.

[hadley]

Is it? I'm not sure it's appropriate for data use either? Can you point me to some discussion?

[njtierney]

I believe it is. It's used quite extensively in Australia for it's datasources:

• median house prices
• parking sensor data
• public bbqs
• library checkouts
• traffic management

It's also discussed here: https://project-open-data.cio.gov/open-licenses/

[hadley]

Counter case is argued at https://uc3.cdlib.org/2016/09/19/cc-by-and-data-not-always-a-good-fit/

OTOH https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/Data#Frequently_asked_questions_about_data_and_CC_licenses

So I think we're both partly right: it's not perfect for data (because depending on the jurisdiction, the CC license might not actually apply to anything), but it's not unreasonable, and lots of people are using it already. That makes it a reasonable request, and I'd be happy to review a PR.

[njtierney]

OK great, thanks for finding that counter case! That is very useful.

I'll get a PR together and tag you in it.

Thanks!