New TOS

[Samantha]

So do we actually have to click a button that says "Agree" to keep our forum? I have read through these posts, but I wanted to make sure, so nothing happens to mine....thanks

[cisleader]

May 2, 2010 16:29:55 GMT -8 Samantha said:

So do we actually have to click a button that says "Agree" to keep our forum? I have read through these posts, but I wanted to make sure, so nothing happens to mine....thanks

Not at all. You agree to the new TOS by keeping your account and/or forum.

[Samantha]

Okay thank you!

[cisleader]

You're welcome. =]

[Wormopolis]

Just because Im curious,

are the authors of any codes obligated to still provide support on said codes if used on a non-english website?

in other words, can I get in trouble for refusing to help out a site because I cant read any of the content on it, and therefore am not sure if a code is working correctly?

[cisleader]

May 2, 2010 17:19:08 GMT -8 Wormopolis said:

Just because Im curious,

are the authors of any codes obligated to still provide support on said codes if used on a non-english website?

in other words, can I get in trouble for refusing to help out a site because I cant read any of the content on it, and therefore am not sure if a code is working correctly?

I'm going to take a stab in the dark; You created the code, so you have every right to choose who to help, and who not to.

Of course, an admin will need to verify.

[CheatAreZee]

May 2, 2010 17:19:08 GMT -8 Wormopolis said:

Just because Im curious,

are the authors of any codes obligated to still provide support on said codes if used on a non-english website?

in other words, can I get in trouble for refusing to help out a site because I cant read any of the content on it, and therefore am not sure if a code is working correctly?

Hi Wormo,

The addition of other languages is optional; it's just to allow people who's native language that isn't English the ability to create and run a forum with our service if they wish to. At an administrative standpoint, you can keep and enforce the english only rule on your forum, that's your option and you don't have to support other languages. We're not forcing you to support other languages if you don't want to *nod*

[Wormopolis]

excellent. just wanted to make sure there wasnt going to be penalties like removal of my codes from the database because I refused to help a site I couldn't read.

Thank you for the clarification.

[hogsmacker]

May 2, 2010 11:07:51 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

Our lawyer drafted this agreement and we are using their recommended language.

The agreement doesn't transfer your rights away from keeping your content in the public domain.

Actually, it would, because the content would be licensed to ProBoards, which is not public domain, but a private entity.

[cosmich]

This is a great thread and I'm thankful for the discussion.

A question and a comment:

With regard to Copyright, the Fair Use policy suggests that linked content (generally in the form of using the img code to cross link to a picture or other content), so long as used in the context of parody, analysis, commentary, or other similar type of use, is allowed. What would not be allowed is harvesting a picture (as an example), putting it in your own Free Photo account, and then linking to that. Doing this even giving credit to the original source is a problem.



My question is, does it make sense to PM all or Email all with links to the revised TOS? Although in many ways it is similar, are the changes enough to take such an action?

[VS Admin]

May 3, 2010 7:32:55 GMT -8 hogsmacker said:

May 2, 2010 11:07:51 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

Our lawyer drafted this agreement and we are using their recommended language.

The agreement doesn't transfer your rights away from keeping your content in the public domain.

Actually, it would, because the content would be licensed to ProBoards, which is not public domain, but a private entity.

You license us to use it, but you don't transfer ownership of it. There is a big difference there. You still own your content and you can still do with it as you please.

May 3, 2010 7:36:14 GMT -8 cosmich said:

This is a great thread and I'm thankful for the discussion.

A question and a comment:

With regard to Copyright, the Fair Use policy suggests that linked content (generally in the form of using the img code to cross link to a picture or other content), so long as used in the context of parody, analysis, commentary, or other similar type of use, is allowed. What would not be allowed is harvesting a picture (as an example), putting it in your own Free Photo account, and then linking to that. Doing this even giving credit to the original source is a problem.



My question is, does it make sense to PM all or Email all with links to the revised TOS? Although in many ways it is similar, are the changes enough to take such an action?

Every member of your forum will get the message about the new TOS.

Our copyright policy is the same that is always has been.

[cosmich]

Thanks Patrick, so you're saying forum members will be presented with something upon logging in regarding the new TOS? (How will they get it delivered?)


With regard to Copyright, my comment was based upon the interpretations of US Law on that matter. There were some interesting reads. If you could direct me to a post with better detail on Proboards interpretation of Fair Use, I'd be grateful.

A while back, I added some specific rules on using Copyrighted text and information, and have had a good response from the membership. Specifically, my rule stated:

"Copyrighted Information

Be thoughtful when posting information from other sources. You may briefly quote passages to emphasize your post, but you may not reprint something - in this case you should link to the source material.

Material that is from a paid-for service also falls into this category, and you would violate both that provider's terms of service as well as Proboards TOS by posting it here."

Anyone who wants can use that if they want. I feel it captures the essence of what can be used.

[cosmich]

Oopsie, nevermind. I was being non observant this morning when logging in. I see it now. ;D

[VS Admin]

May 3, 2010 8:51:39 GMT -8 cosmich said:

Thanks Patrick, so you're saying forum members will be presented with something upon logging in regarding the new TOS? (How will they get it delivered?)


With regard to Copyright, my comment was based upon the interpretations of US Law on that matter. There were some interesting reads. If you could direct me to a post with better detail on Proboards interpretation of Fair Use, I'd be grateful.

A while back, I added some specific rules on using Copyrighted text and information, and have had a good response from the membership. Specifically, my rule stated:

"Copyrighted Information

Be thoughtful when posting information from other sources. You may briefly quote passages to emphasize your post, but you may not reprint something - in this case you should link to the source material.

Material that is from a paid-for service also falls into this category, and you would violate both that provider's terms of service as well as Proboards TOS by posting it here."

Anyone who wants can use that if they want. I feel it captures the essence of what can be used.

Hi,

They get the message just like every other person (a message displayed at the top of the page).

As for Fair Use, that is a question for a lawyer and not for ProBoards to interpret.

[hogsmacker]

May 3, 2010 8:34:51 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

May 3, 2010 7:32:55 GMT -8 hogsmacker said:

Actually, it would, because the content would be licensed to ProBoards, which is not public domain, but a private entity.

You license us to use it, but you don't transfer ownership of it. There is a big difference there. You still own your content and you can still do with it as you please.

The license we ’’grant’’ to you allows you to sublicense it or its derivatives. Thus, you can effectively remove ownership of it. There really is no difference here.