Copyright v Bannage (6 day bump, admin only)

[Shentino]

Forum URL: shentino.proboards41.com

I have a question that came to mind after I watched two conflicting staff posts about this issue previously.

One of them said that all posts are automatically copyrighted by their owner, but another said that if you ban someone you don't have to delete all their posts if they tell you to.

I would like clarification, in particular on these points:

1. Do you actually have to delete the posts?
2. If you ban someone and they whine wanting their posts removed, how do you deal with them?
3. If you are banned, how do you get the admins to remove your info/posts if all attempts to discuss it calmly with them have resulted in rude snubbing and general "bleep off hoser" type attitudes?

Number 3 in particular is of concern at the moment.

[Craig]

I have asked for confirmation on this. Hoefully get a reply in the next day or two.

[Shentino]

Thanks.

Given that staff have contradicted each other on this, I bet you can understand why I'd like a high ranking admin to answer this.

[Craig]

Myself and Martyn are high ranking... just not legal. My understanding is, if they are banned, then they lose their rights to that account, but that's just my understanding.

[Shentino]

Ok, just wanted to clear that up.

Now, what about personal information, like email addresses or birthdays or other information in the profile?

[Craig]

Still waiting for an official answer from Pat on all this.

[Shentino]

Any news?

[Martyn Dale]

For information posting, saying you have to delete your posts isnt particually approprite, since most posts are just public statements, which you can hold no copyright to. If it is a work of art for example posting of a picture they have created, that can be followed through. But just saying you have to delete posts because they are banned isnt the case at all

As for personal information, due to data protection laws members can request that information to be removed.

[Shentino]

Does that cover the ban list?

[Interzone]

Liturature created by someone (computer-generated) is their creation and is covered in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (UK), to which they hold copyright for 50 years after the end of the year of origination.

Personal information (email, date of birth, location, bank details etc) submitted publically or privately to any organisation should be removed at the request of the copyright holder.

It may be a clause in the TOS when registering at a forum that members posts become public domain denying the author the right to request their removal if they no longer choose to be an active particpant. Being banned by force is a grey area and would be judged on a case by case basis.