> Why do I write FAQs? Simple: (1) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the
> newsgroups to which they are posted, and (2) to educate people.
Good. That is why I contribute as well.
> Why does [redistribution without authorization] concern me?
>
> (1) I want to ensure that the latest version possible is included in the
> collection
Fair enough.
> (2) I want to know what collections the FAQ is in, and how that collection can
> be obtained (so that it can be a service to the FAQ readers)
Understandable.
> (3) I want to ensure that the FAQ is included in the collection without
> modification and that all of the contributors to the FAQ remain
> acknowledged
This would require you to examine a copy of the CD to assure that it was.
In Walnut Creeks case I understand that it is their general policy to allow
a free copy to contributors. Most companies who have included my FAQs have
not sent me a free copy even when I requested one. And it wasn't offered.
I had to ask to receive it and then not receive it...
> (4) I want to ensure that the collection is compatible with the FAQ. Just as
> the Disney FAQ does not appropriately belong on a collection with XXX
> graphics, so too the s.c.j information has incompatibilities.
All in all a good set of reasoning. I knew this was going to be a
productive thread. Now what can we do as FAQ authors to make it easier
for us to get the Information Service Providers to assist in allowing
you meet your 4 points ? First, the ISP must be able to quickly get
any to Permission/Copyright statements out of the articles. In looking at
the archive of news.answers I have here I do not see a standard way in
which people put a copyright statement in their FAQs. If we can come up
with a standard header, I'll gladly add an option to the "article" program
which comes as part of the "rkive" program set. This would allow the
ISP's the ability to quickly retrieve and review the conditions for
retransmission.
Why am I trying to make it easier for them ? Cause if its hard or costly
they will not do it and we will be having this discussion yet again.
-----
ISP Procedures:
1) Review the Permissions of the FAQs to determine if there are
conditions that need to be satisified prior to including the
FAQ on CD-ROM.
2) Send a message to the From: line specified in the posting
informing the maintainer of the intended inclusion. Indicate
which version of the FAQ is to be included. Include intended
product information as well indicating the general content
of the CD-ROM. Indicate that a free copy will be made available
to the FAQ maintainer to assure them that their material is
included intact.
3) Include an Authors file on the CD-ROM that indicates who is
responsible for what articles/FAQs/RFCs...
-----
FAQ Maintainer Procedures:
1) Make the conditions for re-distribution available in a standard
header (in an as yet unspecified format).
2) Respond to requests for inclusion in a timely fashion reguardless
whether the response is positive or negative. If there are other
people who must give permission as well, forward the request to
the appropriate people to decide.
3) Verify that the FAQ is unaltered on the produced CD-ROM.
4) Enjoy the free CD...
Am I off base here ? If we make it easier then ISPs will be more likely to
do it "right". We need to know what that is as a group and try to make it
easier for all. Ideas ? Permission/Copyright formats ?
-Kent+
-- Kent Landfield INTERNET: kent_landfield@sterling.com Sterling Software UUCP: uunet!kent || sparky!kent Phone: (402) 291-8300 FAX: (402) 291-4362 Please send comp.sources.misc-related mail to kent@uunet.uu.net.
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