Re: Copyright

[sheercon@earthlink.net]

Donald L Johnson wrote:

> Rubywand replied to a posting of an ISDA FAQ item:
>   (ISDA = Independent Software Developers Association?)
>  >     ISDA (whatever that may be) has just about everything right except
>  >the initial opinion. It is perfectly okay to copy out-of-print software
>  >so long as the copyright owner has not objected or, reasonably, is not
>  >likely to object. Telling some questioner otherwise is a severe
>  >disservice.
>  >
>  >
>  >
>  >
>  >Rubywand
>  >
>  >
>
> Man, you just don't get it, do you, Rubywand?  That's not their opinion,
> it's the commonly-held interpretation of the law.  My uncle the Missouri
> Appellate judge, my cousin-in-law the lawyer, and a whole bunch of other
> California lawyers I know all say the same thing.
>
> You are wrong, man.  Admit it, and move on.

Just out of curiosity, what is he wrong about? If the copyright owner of a
piece of software releases it into the public domain, it then become
perfectly legal to copy and distribute it. One example that comes to mind is
Ian Bell's, "Elite"; it is freely and legally available over the internet in
all of it's platforms.

btw I find it interesting that you took the time to consult your judge and
attorney relatives and "a bunch" of California lawyers about this matter -
you must have a lot of free time on your hands.

Brian