[Jim sent me the below message directly without any indication that it was also sent to the list. But from past experience, I know better. Another example of not-quite-adequate Choatian social norms.] Anyway, Jim is conflating physical control over an instantiation of IP with the rights conferred by IP law. If someone copies Microsoft Word (or a Tom Clancy novel) onto a CDROM and gives it to me, I am not liable. -Declan At 11:36 AM 1/10/01 -0600, Jim Choate wrote:
(Hint: U.S. copyright law does not make mere possession or archiving an offense. Try distribution, performance, etc.)
Hint: WRONG.
Simply possessing a paperback book that has had its cover removed as a sign of 'destroyed' status is in fact a crime. Used book stores that have them in stock can be charged accordingly.
The primary distinction USED TO BE whether there was intent to make money off the act. Now the simple desire to want to make copies and perhaps even share them is under review. It's not the copy of the book anymore but rather simple access to the ideas (which is what copyright isn't about).
____________________________________________________________________
Before a larger group can see the virtue of an idea, a smaller group must first understand it.
"Stranger Suns" George Zebrowski
The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage@ssz.com www.ssz.com .', |||| `/( e\ 512-451-7087 -====~~mm-'`-```-mm --'- --------------------------------------------------------------------