Trading of Premium Suites - a Copyright 'issue'
Thursday, June 12, 2003 by Jafo | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I have been contacted now on a few occasions from people being asked to 'swap' their premium, purchased suites in exchange for other 'product'.
This is in violation of the artist's copyright in exactly the same way as Kazaa facilitates copyright theft through MP3 distribution, and is unacceptable.
I attempted to contact one of the people who was requesting such but the email was returned 'undeliverable' [using the Wincustomize site profile's contact email]...but, fortunately for the person concerned I managed to hunt you down so you will now escape public censure.
This thread was intended as a last resort of contact, but you have been spared.
However, bear in mind that the purchase of a product does not usually include 'distribution rights' as well, and the unauthorized distribution is a definable 'actual loss' reclaimable through the legal system.
I think one warning is politic, but future occurrence/s warrants Site access rights revision.
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MadIce
Reply #22 Friday, June 13, 2003 8:40 AM
Reply #22 Friday, June 13, 2003 8:40 AM
Would my suggestion help preventing these mails in the future? Any idea?
The Rated PG
Reply #23 Friday, June 13, 2003 9:58 AM
Reply #23 Friday, June 13, 2003 9:58 AM
They also see your screenshot showing off your new purchase
Chris
Reply #24 Friday, June 13, 2003 10:15 AM
Reply #24 Friday, June 13, 2003 10:15 AM
I'd like to second MadIce's idea about having an option to only show email addresses in a wincust profile to users that are a certain level (say anything either citizen or above or perhaps above citizen altogether). I've been wanting that feature for some time now. I long ago disabled my email address display in my profile.
goodmorphing
Reply #26 Friday, June 13, 2003 3:25 PM
Maybe that would be an idea for a new poll...
1) I bought a product, posted my comments on the message board, and received a request through e-mail offering some trade for it.
2) I bought a product, posted My comment on the news page announcement and received a request for trade.
3) I bought a product, and uploaded a screenshot that showed the product in use, and received a request for trade.
4) I bought a product, posted in one venue or another, and NEVER received a request.
5) I never bought a product.
6) More than one of options 1, 2, and 3 are applicable.
I think the option to have only apprentice level and above is a good one! That way you know that only people who are at least a little invested in the place have access to it.
Reply #26 Friday, June 13, 2003 3:25 PM
Maybe that would be an idea for a new poll... 1) I bought a product, posted my comments on the message board, and received a request through e-mail offering some trade for it.
2) I bought a product, posted My comment on the news page announcement and received a request for trade.
3) I bought a product, and uploaded a screenshot that showed the product in use, and received a request for trade.
4) I bought a product, posted in one venue or another, and NEVER received a request.
5) I never bought a product.
6) More than one of options 1, 2, and 3 are applicable.
I think the option to have only apprentice level and above is a good one! That way you know that only people who are at least a little invested in the place have access to it.
Lockie56
Reply #27 Saturday, June 14, 2003 4:37 AM
Reply #27 Saturday, June 14, 2003 4:37 AM
I do hope you are not inferring that those of us who have purchased object desktop in it's entirety, as well as some of the exclusive skin suites or icon suites etc, are not "a little invested in the place", GM !! Because by only allowing people at apprentice level or better direct access to the email addy's of skinners etc, you are directly dis-enfranchising those of us who most need the direct assistance of the skinners when we encounter problems.
As an example, Jebland made a wonderful Object Bar to go with Treetog's excellent Copper Deck II Window Blind. I experienced some small problems with it that I would have had no idea about fixing, but as I had access to Jebland's email address, I was able to send her a screenshot of the problem, which she then worked on, fixed, & sent the amended file back to me, all within a day or so. Without direct access to her email address, I wonder how long this process might have taken? As things stand, I am still using her Object Bar, but I doubt that would have been the case if I would've had to wait for a longer period of time before the fix was made available.
Therefore I would urge you to look look very carefully at ALL the ramifications of limiting email addy access to "The Chosen Few"
before instituting such measures, as some could interpret such actions as smacking of elitism. However, if a member declines to show their email addy in their user profile, then that is their choice, and they have every right in the world to make it. 
As an example, Jebland made a wonderful Object Bar to go with Treetog's excellent Copper Deck II Window Blind. I experienced some small problems with it that I would have had no idea about fixing, but as I had access to Jebland's email address, I was able to send her a screenshot of the problem, which she then worked on, fixed, & sent the amended file back to me, all within a day or so. Without direct access to her email address, I wonder how long this process might have taken? As things stand, I am still using her Object Bar, but I doubt that would have been the case if I would've had to wait for a longer period of time before the fix was made available.
Therefore I would urge you to look look very carefully at ALL the ramifications of limiting email addy access to "The Chosen Few"
before instituting such measures, as some could interpret such actions as smacking of elitism. However, if a member declines to show their email addy in their user profile, then that is their choice, and they have every right in the world to make it. 
KarmaGirl
Reply #28 Saturday, June 14, 2003 9:35 AM
Reply #28 Saturday, June 14, 2003 9:35 AM
I think that email abuse is one thing that we need to enforce. I think that anyone using another members email address to solicit illegal behavior should have to face consequences. I *really* don't want people to quit discussing products and suites for fear that some jerk will email them asking for it for free.
I would request that any email that is received from this point forward be reported (please forward complete header information).
I think that most ISP's (if not all) also have rules against such behavior which consequences are termination of service.
Make the pirates walk the plank!!!!!
goodmorphing
Reply #29 Saturday, June 14, 2003 10:15 AM
Somehow I have managed to communicate directly with skinners who do not have their addresses shown. These skinners have chosen to hide their own addresses because of abuse. I never perceived any one of them as having 'disenfranchising' me at all, especially once they explained the kinds of things they had to deal with by having their addresses exposed. There is free access to comment sections, and to the message boards, though even that access can be removed due to abuse.
When members are forced to make that choice because of abuse is it really a choice? Do you really think it is alright that good people who have done nothing but support and contribute (and I am not only talking about myself here) should be forced to stop exercising some basic freedoms and privileges because of an abusive few? Likewise, do you think that we can sit back and simply 'ignore' it when we come aware that some system is being used to rip off our friends and community?
It is not a 'few'. And being 'chosen' is not all that mysterious and random.
Reply #29 Saturday, June 14, 2003 10:15 AM
| Because by only allowing people at apprentice level or better direct access to the email addy's of skinners etc, you are directly dis-enfranchising those of us who most need the direct assistance of the skinners when we encounter problems |
Somehow I have managed to communicate directly with skinners who do not have their addresses shown. These skinners have chosen to hide their own addresses because of abuse. I never perceived any one of them as having 'disenfranchising' me at all, especially once they explained the kinds of things they had to deal with by having their addresses exposed. There is free access to comment sections, and to the message boards, though even that access can be removed due to abuse.
| However, if a member declines to show their email addy in their user profile, then that is their choice, and they have every right in the world to make it. |
When members are forced to make that choice because of abuse is it really a choice? Do you really think it is alright that good people who have done nothing but support and contribute (and I am not only talking about myself here) should be forced to stop exercising some basic freedoms and privileges because of an abusive few? Likewise, do you think that we can sit back and simply 'ignore' it when we come aware that some system is being used to rip off our friends and community?
| The Chosen Few |
It is not a 'few'. And being 'chosen' is not all that mysterious and random.
goodmorphing
Reply #30 Saturday, June 14, 2003 10:40 AM
Reply #30 Saturday, June 14, 2003 10:40 AM
You are right, though. Invested was probably a poor choice of words. If there is a single word for the concept "emotionally invested' then I should have used that.
paxx
Reply #31 Saturday, June 14, 2003 3:29 PM
Reply #31 Saturday, June 14, 2003 3:29 PM
I'm not sure it's a good idea to hide the email address to people below Apprentice level. Most Apprentice+ are themselves somewhat skinners, or at least are more likely to know a bit more about skinning than the general public. Levels under Apprentice are probably the ones who actually need the most to have access to the artist's address.
Myself, I actually even include my email adress with my skins as well. Sure, I get crappy emails, but I just ditch them in the trash. But I'm always happy to receive email comments and questions from newbies.
Myself, I actually even include my email adress with my skins as well. Sure, I get crappy emails, but I just ditch them in the trash. But I'm always happy to receive email comments and questions from newbies.
WOM
Reply #32 Saturday, June 14, 2003 4:17 PM
Reply #32 Saturday, June 14, 2003 4:17 PM
Doesn't really matter if the email is hidden from certain levels or not. If you choose not to have your email in your profile it is hidden from everyone except the admins and Stardock personnel. A lot of people do not show their email address after the last fiasco where people who didn't like what was said on the messageboard emailed everyone who disagreed with them a dirty letter. If I want to email someone I'll ask for their email address and if they want me to have it they will give it and visa versa. So as far as I can see we haven't a problem.
Lockie56
Reply #33 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:11 PM
Reply #33 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:11 PM
GM, if I have trodden on your toes with my comments, I do apologise. I merely meant to convey my thoughts that the provision of access to an email address must surely be the decision of the individual, and not that of the community in general.
As to comments regarding choice, well, there are alternatives such as blocking an offender's email at the server, etc, so I believe that yes, they still do have choices. But then again, that's just my opinion.
[Message Edited]
[Message Edited]
As to comments regarding choice, well, there are alternatives such as blocking an offender's email at the server, etc, so I believe that yes, they still do have choices. But then again, that's just my opinion. [Message Edited]
[Message Edited]
feline
Reply #34 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:18 PM
i agree!!!
if (well, really when) i get these lovely looking cursors, if someone emails me wanting to swap, i will hit them with Jafo!
since i suspect me picking up Jafo and running around with him may "upset" him just a bit, this is likely to be a rather painful learning experience
Reply #34 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:18 PM
| KarmaGirl - I think that email abuse is one thing that we need to enforce. |
i agree!!!
if (well, really when) i get these lovely looking cursors, if someone emails me wanting to swap, i will hit them with Jafo!
since i suspect me picking up Jafo and running around with him may "upset" him just a bit, this is likely to be a rather painful learning experience
goodmorphing
Reply #35 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:18 PM
Reply #35 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:18 PM
na, you haven't. Any frustration I convey is usually with myself and my often inadequate manner of communication....
I know when I try to clarify what I tried to say, it sounds angry. but I am not, merely wishing I could do a better job.
You should see me in person when I try to do that... my face gets red with the effort... people say ... not anger there, either. Only a whole hearted desire to be clear when I communicate.
Sorry i had extra spacing.
[Message Edited]
I know when I try to clarify what I tried to say, it sounds angry. but I am not, merely wishing I could do a better job.
You should see me in person when I try to do that... my face gets red with the effort... people say ... not anger there, either. Only a whole hearted desire to be clear when I communicate.
Sorry i had extra spacing.
[Message Edited]
goodmorphing
Reply #37 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:24 PM
Reply #37 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:24 PM
goodmorphing 's smilies eloped or something, or are on strike! They appear to have taken bolding and underlining away with them, perhaps in protest of the banishment of their lower right hand companion, poor Mr. Burkus....
[Message Edited]
[Message Edited]
Lockie56
Reply #39 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:38 PM
Lol
Reply #39 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:38 PM
| goodmorphing 's smilies eloped or something, or are on strike! They appear to have taken bolding and underlining away with them, perhaps in protest of the banishment of their lower right hand companion, poor Mr. Burkus.... |
Lol
Lockie56
Reply #40 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:51 PM
KarmaGirl, your idea has much merit. Just looking at some of the angles, I would suggest that this request be put up in the main area when everyone logs in so that it is out in public view & not just in here on the message board.
[Message Edited]
Reply #40 Saturday, June 14, 2003 5:51 PM
| I think that email abuse is one thing that we need to enforce. I think that anyone using another members email address to solicit illegal behavior should have to face consequences. I *really* don't want people to quit discussing products and suites for fear that some jerk will email them asking for it for free.I would request that any email that is received from this point forward be reported (please forward complete header information). |
KarmaGirl, your idea has much merit. Just looking at some of the angles, I would suggest that this request be put up in the main area when everyone logs in so that it is out in public view & not just in here on the message board.
[Message Edited]
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Reply #21 Friday, June 13, 2003 8:24 AM