ISC′
I wrote a license I call ISC′ (ISC prime). Its text reads as follows:
Permission to use, copy, modify, and/or to distribute the works is granted,
provided that all copyright notices appear unchanged in all copies; but also
that the origin of the works is not misrepresented; and last that modified
versions of the works are not misrepresented as being the original version.
The works are provided 'as is'. The authors disclaim any warranty whatsoever. In
no event whatsoever are they liable for any damage in any regard with the works.
This is basically a «you are free to use it but don't lie about it» license.
I also wrote a companion README.md file and this is it:
What's this license?
This license has the same objectives as the ISC license but is shorter and has these changes:
The word «software» is replaced with «works», because not all files in a repository is source code for software. This word also emphasizes the artistic character of software.
The clause «for any purpose» in the ISC license text is superfluous. If you omit it and just say, permission is granted, then it's implicit that you grant permission for any purpose.
The clause «with or without fee» is tautologic. Either you sell your works or copies or you don't. Tertium non datur, this means, there is no other way. Even if one does cook up a third thing then it is better not to exclude that, so I don't.
The shouting case in license is just a form of bullying. I find that crude.
The verbose listing of situations where warranties and liabilities are disclaimed is a good try, but nope. The small word «any» suffices and fits even better. «Any» covers all imaginable and unthinkable occurrences when something weird happens. This said, I allowed myself to use the intensifier «whatsoever» to make it abundantly clear that really all situations shall be covered.
Let me tell you a somewhat dirty secret: Imperative law trumps licenses. One case is you doing something illegal with your works. Disclaimers become suddenly a lot less helpful. Another case is selling software. You will be bound to some imperative laws depending on your jurisdiction.
What's the point of a long disclaiming listicle then?
That's all, folks.