> This is the statement I'm planning to put in the s.c.j FAQ/Reading Lists (I've
> genericized it for here):
>
> Subject: Copyright Notice
>
> The (name your) FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the
> party reproducing the FAQ agrees to the following:
>
> 1) They will contact the FAQ maintainer to obtain the latest version for
> their collection.
> 2) They will provide the FAQ maintainer with information on what collection
> the copy of the FAQ is in, and how that collection may be obtained.
> 3) They will agree, in writing, that the FAQ will be included in the
> collection without modification, and that acknowledgements of
> contributors to the FAQ remain in the FAQ.
> 4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will be
> distributed on either a non-profit basis, or have some percentage of
> profit donated to charity.
>
> To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright (c) 1993,1994 by (the FAQ
> maintainer) on behalf of (insert newsgroup name).
>
I'm not sure this will do it. Many FAQs had copyright notices similar to
the above, but still got included in the CD by Walnut Creek. I think what
has to happen is that we all start registering our copyrights ($20, I
think?) at the Library of Congress. Then when somebody violates the
copyright we can set a precendent in court that the above copyright
notice can be useful. Until then I fear people will continue to abuse the
simple process of asking the faq maintainer permission, and receiving it,
first.
Also, I am fairly sure that the above statement doesn't make a distinct
enough separation between archiving the FAQ on a ftp site and/or normal
distribution of USENET (ie, not stored on a CD and then sold to BBSs) and
selling usenet material. So far we've seen all of the above done without
asking/receiving for permission and I suggest it will continue unless
something is done now to stop it.
-john
frost@netcom.com
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