ETKA copyright

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

>
>Date: Mon, 28 Jun 1999 09:19:52 -0400
>From: Phil & Judy Rose <pjrose@servtech.com>
>Subject: Re: ETKA CD's
>
>I fully sympathize with the spirit in which Kneale's suggestion was made.
>However I would caution that--considering the paranoia about an AoA
>reaction (concerning the ETKA CD copyright)--the last thing qlist should be
>associated with (publicly) is profiting from the sale of copies--even
>though for a worthy cause.
>
>Just an opinion.
>
>Phil R.
>
>
>>Date: Sun, 27 Jun 1999 14:24:57 -0400
>>From: Kneale Brownson <knotnook@traverse.com>
>>Subject: Re: ETKA CD's
>>
>>Why  not make them $5 each, guys, and anything left over from your expenses
>>you can donate to "the cause" at audifans.com.   Some of the newer folk may
>>not be aware that our generous host, Dan Simoes, has encountered
>>significant expenses moving The List to its new location, and continues to
>>need some help until sponsorship arrangements can be made.
>>
>>Kneale Brownson
>


Gotta agree with Phil here - there ARE copyright issues. Copyright is
evidence of ownership of something, and the holder of a copyright has the
right to sue to protect what he owns. There are some "fair use" provisions
on copyrighted material, but copying the whole thing, and doing so more
than once, does not fall under this exception. (Copying a page or two to
show the counter guy probably would.)

In the real world, "casual" copyright violations go uncaught and
unpunished, but if someone made a regular thing of it, and made money on
it, chances are, sooner or later, the legitimate copyright owner will file
suit to protect their property. Remember that "worthy cause" is OUR
definition of what's happening. AoA would prefer we all buy brand new cars,
so they'll see it as theft.

It is inarguable that support for our cars is on a "do-it-ourselves" basis,
and that the ETKA is a tremendous resource. Unfortunately for AoA and Audi
in Germany, the cat is out of the bag, with the CD being posted around the
internet in places that have bigger things to worry about than a few dozen
or even a few hundred weird-car-geeks (tm) copying obsolete parts books.
That still doesn't make it right, and "We needed it" isn't a legal defense
for copyright violation.

If someone is going to do this, I think they need to understand the issues
involved. If they decide to continue, they should keep a low profile about
it. Even though they may see themselves doing a good deed for other owners
they may find themselves in serious legal trouble.

The LAST thing I want to do is shut down the supply of service information,
but I don't see a legal way to distribute this material. Suggestions on
alternatives eagerly accepted!

Best Regards,

Mike Arman