Re: Regarding Asmiov (was: GS Icon file Verifier released)

[rder@pro-palmtree.cts.com (Richard Der)]

rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND) wrote:
>     No doubt, the asimov people feel that the software they are
>using is software that either   1- Nobody cares about selling
>or  2-Somebody may care about selling the item; but, he/she does not
>(or would not) especially mind, for now, having asimov distribute
>image files. (Actually, it is kind of flattering to come across a post
>requesting an image of a game you created 13 years ago.)
 
There is one little problem with this: they have AppleWorks. It wouldn't
be so bad if they only had out of print software. Then, at least, you
could make an argument of intent/spirit of the law vs. the letter of
the law.
 
Even with the out of print software, it would make what they are doing
more legit if they would email to the publishers informing them what
they are going to do. This would notify the copyright holders so
that they can respond if they wish. If they request that it be taken
off, it should be. If they don't reply, then Asimov should attach a
note to the archive saying that they tried to contact the copyright
holder but have not yet recieved a reply. If the publisher/author
grants formal rights, that should be made known too.
 
The place has a "lets steal software" atmosphere. Sector editing
copyright messages and all that. They should abandon this practice
and post at the very beginning that they are trying to save out
of print software and that they try to contact the publishers
whenever possible.
 
A hundred or so email messages is not that big of an effort,
especially since those old programs are mainly from several
publishers.
 
 
>     There is nothing at all muddy about the issue of copyright
>violations. In the absence of permission from the copyright owner,
>ftp.asimov.net violates a copyright each time it supplies a
>copyrighted game to a user.
 
My mistake. That was meant to come across as "dirty issue" not
"muddy."
 
 
>     As for the "Lost Classics Project", it is fair to say that, on
>a for-pay on-line service, having Lost Classics available for
>downloading represents an attraction with some monetary value. To not
>seek out copyright owners would be hazardous. Most copyright holders
>will demand compensation if property is exploited for monetary gain.
>
>     An ftp site which obtains no monetary gain by supplying images
>is not nearly so attractive and/or provocative a target as a major
>on-line service. It is not surprising that those running it would not
>go to the bother of contacting several hundred copyright holders.
 
 
They needn't go through the lengths that Lost Classics did, but
they should at least send a simple email notification.
 
 
>     Asimov does need to exercise a bit of discretion. For example,
>if, in some cases, credits and copyright notices are removed, this
>practice should be ended.
 
It would certainly make them seem more legit if they end this practice.


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