[sword-devel] Accusations...
This info came just in via the support list (sorry for the full quote, but I think not everybody is in that list): On Sat, Jan 04, 2003 at 08:23:13PM -0600, Levey wrote: I have followed your work for years and occasionally look at your source or try one of your projects. I used to mostly use the Online Bible, which you thanked in your online materials, and now mostly the eSword program. I was surprised then to find a "hall of shame" on their site listing you (and eSword) as villains who are stealing their work ( http://www.onlinebible.net/hallofshame.html ). What gives here? I thought you had permission -- or none was needed -- to use their files. Could you please comment on this. They are using strong language towards you: "Sword Project. Troy blatantly lifted all the material from the Online Bible CD and then claimed it as public domain. We have a registered copyright with the Library of Congress which states otherwise. Troy is running a "Bible Society" founded on stolen material." Please give me your input on this. I'm really surprised they have taken this stance. So far as I know you do not distribute locked modules and are not a commercial enterprise. Thanks. Paul Levey. I guess it would be good to react to this _quickly_. Do we still have a large number of modules created out of OLB sources? These days, most files seem to be created out of electronic plain texts independent of OLB, making the claim somewhat pointless. Or might they be referring to the locked NIV etc. modules? Greetings, Christian -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] - http://www.web42.com/crenz/ - http://www.web42.com/ "A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in." -- C.S. Lewis
Re: [sword-devel] Accusations...
At 12:31 AM 1/5/2003 -0300, Christian Renz wrote: I guess it would be good to react to this _quickly_. Do we still have a large number of modules created out of OLB sources? Someone should ask them for a list of specific works that they belive are infringed, and exactly how they are infringed. Let me know if they try to pull the compilation copyright line. Jerry
Re: [sword-devel] Accusations...
On Sunday 05 January 2003 01:40 am, Jerry Hastings wrote: > Someone should ask them for a list of specific works that they belive are > infringed, and exactly how they are infringed. Let me know if they try to > pull the compilation copyright line. I used to use the OLB back in my windows days, and I specifically remember there being public domain notices on modules in their copyright info. 1)If OLB can use them because they're pd then other people can too I would think. Unless the copyright law here in the US is screwed up more than I knew about. 2)Since when did the Library of Congress start keeping records on copyrights? I thought that was the job of the Copyright and Patent office. I won't even comment further on that. -- Davids Mailing List And Spam Receiver Keeping me (relatively) spam free since 2002
Re: [sword-devel] Accusations...
This really upsets me. Can't the Online Bible people just be grateful that the Word of God is getting out without stooping to a "hall of shame?" I believe the shame rests on them in acting they way they are, trying to discredit your work and ministry. If they are so worried about you "stealing" their work, I believe they have a heart issue that they need to clear up with God. If Jesus were walking the earth I don't think He would care about a copyright and He certainly would not want His children bickering over who had the rights to His words. I believe He would just say, "Go Ye," not "Go Ye but get My Father's permission before you leave and if you can't get it, oh well, just forget the whole thing." I personally don't think that the Words of God should be copyrighted anyway, not at all. There are other ways for people to make money, and I guess that's at the root of the whole "hall of shame" thing. It infringes on their money-making ability, at least that's how I see it. I think the KJV has the right idea. After all, "Freely you have received, freely give." You cannot steal what is given for free. I think your work is awesome and I personally am grateful for the tremendous amount of effort you put into this ministry (yes ministry!) so that everyone can have free access to the Bible, in whatever translation is needed, whatever platform they are on, with study helps, easy to read and without having to be connected to the internet (or pay for a CD first) every time they want to read it. I know that the laborer is worthy of his hire, but I don't believe that God ever intended for us to fight over His Word, especially when it comes to money. I say if people can get the Word of God for free, and they should, then Praise God. More people are getting close to God. More people are getting saved. And if someone really wants to get technical, I believe GOD is the original copyright owner, after all they are HIS words! I wonder - OLB says they are registered with the Library of Congress... what did God have to say? Did they ask Him as well? Did He just give one group permission to re-distribute His Words? I don't think so. It's not just them, I realize lots of people and Bible societies /publishers, etc., are worried about that precious copyright... but when that happens, people lose their focus. It's not about who has the copyright... it's about doing God's will. We are all working to build GOD's kingdom, not man's! Isn't the primary purpose to get souls saved?! And how will they know unless we preach? Or in this case, distribute His word? Sorry if I got long winded on this and I hope I didn't step on any toes. This is my opinion. I usually keep quiet and don't have a lot to offer in this list, but I really wanted to encourage you. What you are doing is a fantastic thing, and I have a hard time believing you would have "stolen" (even though I don't think anyone can really steal God's Words!) from them anyway. Don't let their "hall of shame" discourage you and keep up the awesome work you are doing SWORD team! God Bless and you have my support.
