Text 41361, 78 rader
Skriven 2006-10-15 20:56:56 av Jeff Smith (1:14/0)
Ärende: DUD-file
================
Hello Everyone.


 MV> But then again, it *does* mean somethong in the USA. Shannon has
 MV> copyrighted material on his website: the articles I wrote for
 MV> FodoNews. And not just the two latest ones that had a copyright notice
 MV> atteched. ALL my articles.

 RW>> Unless of course, he can show permission from the copyright
 RW>> holder to distribute.

 MV> Which Shannon can not.


     What's the point here people? I know what has been said by both
sides. No offense to Michiel but what in his articles is that important
that it needs to be copyrighted. Is a copyright really needed or is it just
a another play in an ongoing game? Is Michiel that worried about someone
seeing his articles that shouldn't? Who cares? If an article is published
it should be done so with the forknowledge of how and to what extent it will
be distributed. Trying to force one's will on the editor and the distribution
system is wrong. If one does not accept that then they IMHO should not submit
the article. Expecting everyone to accept and bow to their view of the
importance of their copyright is just an expression of the importance that
they have of themself.


     It has been stated several times that I should chastise both sides
otherwise I am not impartial. To that I say that based on my view of the
situation. I have critisized Michiel because HE is responsible for the
submitting of his articles and the real intent that he had for doing so.
Would we even be having this argument if he hadn't tried to force his
copyright on Fidonet? Shannon has done his share of pushing and name calling
too. Which has only served to prolong the conflict. I think both sides
have taken this far beyond what the matter merits. I would hope that if
Shannon and Michiel have a more specific and ongoing issue to deal with
on this or related issues that they do it privately and not in the echo.
I have no realistic expectation that either Shannon or Michiel will take
my suggestion. I can only hope that the moderator would speak up on the
matter but I have no realistic expectation there either.


    Actually the person that I think is really to blame for this whole
copyright problem is Björn. If he as Fidonews editor had refused the
article based on the copyright and not on content. We wouldn't be having
this problem now. Do I think that Michiel's articles should be protected?
Yes I do. But that protection should not be used as a tool to force a
particular individuals will on Fidonet. I would think that if someone
writes and submits an article that they want it to be read by everyone
in Fidonet including the users of Fidonet BBS's. Am I right if I write
and submit an article and say that I only will permit it to be distributed
as I see fit? Of course not. Then why does Michiel have that expectation?
He has that expectation because he was allowed to use Fidonews to prove
his point. That is not what I think Fidonews is for. Allowing it to be
used in this manner just lowers its integrety and importance.


   I have pretty much said what I have to say on the matter. I have asked
questions and gotten few real answers. Just smoke and mirrors. I have
basically been told that I will not be looked at as reasonable or impartial
because I don't meet the criteria that has been set for that. It is just not
politically correct to do so I quess. In any event I will try not to fuel the
flame further with my ramblings on the subject. That does mean that I have
changed my opinion or determination to see that Björn once again becomes an
active moderator here or that he or we (as in Fidonet) as a last resort
find a replacement.



 MV> Cheers, Michiel

 MV> --- GoldED+/W32-MSVC 1.1.5-b20060315
 MV>  * Origin: http://www.vlist.eu (2:280/5555)

Jeff

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 * Origin: Twin_Cities_Metronet - MN USA (1:14/0)