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Blizzard Sued By Game Guide Creator
Gamespot reports on a suit brought by a game guide creator against Warcraft-maker Blizzard Entertainment. The two parties will be going to court because of an attempt by Blizzard to quash a guide the plaintiff created for the World of Warcraft MMORPG. Offered electronically through eBay, the company claims that the guide creator is infringing on their IP. From the article: "Kopp's complaint argues that his book does not infringe on any of the companies' copyrights for several reasons: The book presents a disclaimer on its first page about its 'unauthorized' nature, contains no copyrighted text or storylines from the game, and makes "fair use" of selected screenshots under copyright law, the complaint said."
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I suspect, though I could be wrong, that the author of the parent is not in favor of such tactics in that context. If they are, then there can be no meaningful debate. If not, then I am highly curious to see how they reconcile theft with freedom.
As I said in this reply your thoughts can never be theft. I also don't see using your labor as you see fit as theft. Theft to me means going onto someone's physical property and taking a physical belonging. Using your thoughts and your hands in any way you want (on your own property) should always be legal.
My sample idea holds true. If a plumber fixes your toilet, do you pay him for every flush? If you learn from him and go fix toilets, do you pay for his knowledge every time?
If I open a soccer store in your town, can you open one across the street? Absolutely. Should I have a right to being the only one in town? Not a chance.