Relax about the forum code. If the author posted it in the forum, then (as pointed out) the implied consent is there, even when automatic copyright applies in favour of the author.
Technically the author could come back and say: "Hey, that's my copyright!". But then the author has contributed the forum entry knowing it might possibly be used or adapted for a real-world use. So this person has attempted to subvert YOUR code with copyrighted material? Seriously, that is questionnable use of a web forum.
And if the code belongs to a third party? Well the forum poster is a partially liable party to the copyright breach, since they have done the oringinal code lifting.
And for those of you who DON'T understand public domain:
If I wrote a poem and held it up behind the president being sworn into office, then there is NO doubt that I automatically own the copyright to the poem, but the video of the event can be freely copied and re-used by TV networks without asking to "re-publish" my poem. By waving it in the air at a public event I have placed the item in the public domain and fair use applies. But I still own the copyright. Copyright and public domain can coexist in this way. That is, I couldn't publish a book of poems and add yours in, but I COULD write a book about presidents and include a reference to the poem, since it has fallen into the public domain.
Here's a poem I've just thought of. I reserve all rights to its use. (Note: I have no such rights, I'm honestly just being a very silly pseudo-lawyer!) I call it "A hover, Text decoration? None!"
It's difficult to trade off all the enthusiasm for GPL/Open Source software with the need to make a living, but I do think it is possible, and importantly: worthwhile.
I think one of the keys is to be realistic about what you're selling. So many times you need to ask yourself 'Would I pay this amount for this service?'.
I've just started writing some tutorials around using free software for creative design, and while I do expect to make some money (v. small) from advertising, I don't think I'll be able sell (m)any of the related files/t-shirts/etc that will go along with the site.
The software looks good: I logged in as demo and everthing seemed "as you'd expect" (in a good way). But some of the icons were a bit too general/small (like the one to add a candidate to a job). Just a thought.
...and if they do prove ownership, they have an obligation to cover their own licence fee:
By purchasing the SCO eDesktop 2.4 product in Australia, I am entitled to certain consumer protections from the manufacturer if I follow the instructions ("modify, distribute") that come with it.
Of course, companies selling products with instructions are allowed to make mistakes, but they must recall the product via the usual channels AND they do hold some responsibility for the damage caused by consumers using their product in the interim. The 'damage' in this case is undisclosed license fees.
Every time I have to call in problems with my DSL line, I have to lie and say I have a windows 98 pc.
Interesting.... I've often had to lie, too. I wonder what this technique does for Win/Linux/Mac stats on OS usage from 'industry analysis' type sources.
If many linux users are bullied into lying about their OS, no wonder there are OS monopoly concerns!
Some have said that "VCD players are too expensive". GET REAL.
Most people have access to a 1998+ computer. A mod for a Playstation I costs very little. Newer portable cd players now support not only MP3 but have video-out ports for VCD. Many more DVD players support VCD than ever before.
The benefit of VCD as a format is that it can be played in so many of these varied environments (MORE places than DVDs can be played, MORE places than CD +Quicktime or CD +.avi can be played, MORE places than VHS, MORE places than a CD-ROM). Think about that!
And for those who said "isn't VCD for pirating?" -- Well, this is exactly why we NEED legitimate uses for VCDs... otherwise, DVD manufacturers will drop support for this nifty little format for that reason alone. If University courses were typically available on VCD, consumers would demand VCD from their DVD players.
[Also... If you're a computer animator, droping your animation onto S-VCD format and taking it down to a bureau for transfer onto s-betacam (an industry standard) is a simply fantastic time-saver.]
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Relax about the forum code. If the author posted it in the forum, then (as pointed out) the implied consent is there, even when automatic copyright applies in favour of the author.
Technically the author could come back and say: "Hey, that's my copyright!". But then the author has contributed the forum entry knowing it might possibly be used or adapted for a real-world use. So this person has attempted to subvert YOUR code with copyrighted material? Seriously, that is questionnable use of a web forum.
And if the code belongs to a third party? Well the forum poster is a partially liable party to the copyright breach, since they have done the oringinal code lifting.
And for those of you who DON'T understand public domain:
If I wrote a poem and held it up behind the president being sworn into office, then there is NO doubt that I automatically own the copyright to the poem, but the video of the event can be freely copied and re-used by TV networks without asking to "re-publish" my poem. By waving it in the air at a public event I have placed the item in the public domain and fair use applies. But I still own the copyright. Copyright and public domain can coexist in this way. That is, I couldn't publish a book of poems and add yours in, but I COULD write a book about presidents and include a reference to the poem, since it has fallen into the public domain.
Here's a poem I've just thought of. I reserve all rights to its use. (Note: I have no such rights, I'm honestly just being a very silly pseudo-lawyer!) I call it "A hover, Text decoration? None!"
a:hover { text-decoration: none }
Get real.
I think one of the keys is to be realistic about what you're selling. So many times you need to ask yourself 'Would I pay this amount for this service?'.
I've just started writing some tutorials around using free software for creative design, and while I do expect to make some money (v. small) from advertising, I don't think I'll be able sell (m)any of the related files/t-shirts/etc that will go along with the site.
The software looks good: I logged in as demo and everthing seemed "as you'd expect" (in a good way). But some of the icons were a bit too general/small (like the one to add a candidate to a job). Just a thought.
Interesting.... I've often had to lie, too. I wonder what this technique does for Win/Linux/Mac stats on OS usage from 'industry analysis' type sources.
If many linux users are bullied into lying about their OS, no wonder there are OS monopoly concerns!
Some have said that "VCD players are too expensive". GET REAL.
.avi can be played, MORE places than VHS, MORE places than a CD-ROM). Think about that!
Most people have access to a 1998+ computer. A mod for a Playstation I costs very little. Newer portable cd players now support not only MP3 but have video-out ports for VCD. Many more DVD players support VCD than ever before.
The benefit of VCD as a format is that it can be played in so many of these varied environments (MORE places than DVDs can be played, MORE places than CD +Quicktime or CD +
And for those who said "isn't VCD for pirating?" -- Well, this is exactly why we NEED legitimate uses for VCDs... otherwise, DVD manufacturers will drop support for this nifty little format for that reason alone. If University courses were typically available on VCD, consumers would demand VCD from their DVD players.
[Also... If you're a computer animator, droping your animation onto S-VCD format and taking it down to a bureau for transfer onto s-betacam (an industry standard) is a simply fantastic time-saver.]