# Authors

This file lists the significant authors and copyright holders of the **ansible-role-openssh_server** project.

## Copyright Holders

### Project Creator and Primary Author
 
**Gravitino LLC**
- GitHub: [@Gravitino](https://github.com/Gravitino)
- Role: Primary developer and maintainer
- Years: 2025-present
- Copyright: Copyright (c) 2025 Gravitino LLC

## Legal Notice

This project is released under the MIT License. See [LICENSE](../LICENSE) for full license text.

### What Constitutes Significant Authorship

Following GNU project guidelines, this AUTHORS file lists contributors whose work is "legally significant for copyright purposes." This typically means:

- Substantial code contributions (not small bug fixes)
- Major architectural decisions or design work
- Significant documentation contributions
- Long-term maintenance and stewardship

Small contributions, bug reports, minor fixes, and ideas are not listed here but are greatly appreciated. For a complete list of all contributors, see:

- [CONTRIBUTORS.md](CONTRIBUTORS.md) - All contributors to the project
- [Git commit history](https://github.com/welshwandering/ansible-role-openssh_server/commits/main) - Complete contribution record

## Future Authors

As this project grows, additional significant authors will be listed here with their:
- Full name (or preferred attribution)
- GitHub handle
- Years of contribution
- Areas of significant contribution
- Copyright notice (if applicable)

## Adding Yourself as an Author

If you believe your contributions meet the threshold for authorship:

1. Your contributions should be substantial and legally significant for copyright purposes
2. You should have made multiple significant contributions over time
3. Contact the project maintainer to discuss being added as an author
4. Provide your preferred attribution format

We follow the principle that authorship is earned through sustained, substantial contributions to the project.

## Acknowledgments

While not all contributors appear in this AUTHORS file, **everyone who contributes to this project is valued and appreciated**. See [CONTRIBUTORS.md](CONTRIBUTORS.md) for recognition of all project participants.

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*Last updated: 2025-10-05*
