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Re: Read only if you love TREK
In article <01bbecb2$61872040$82a3fccc@www.swlink.net>,
"OdoLover@GreatLink.net" <OdoLover@swlink.net (J. Medina)> wrote:
> This is an outright injustice, not to mention a threat to our right
> of free speech.
huh? You can talk about StarTrek all you want. The issue here is that you
can't use their copyrighted images on your website. If you go to a Con and
take your own picture of Terry Farrell and put it up on your site, that's
fine. But you can't scan a picture of Dax that is owned by Paramount and
then post it.
> No. Trek is an concept, an idea, and idea's are not
> something to be restricted.
Wrong. Trek is a large body of work of creative fiction, and is not just an
idea. The fans have made it in to a concept, and you're more than welcome
to idolize the concept in any way that you wish...as long as you don't
publicize pictures or video that is owned by Paramount to do it. I don't
see that Paramount cares if the sites review episodes, or talk about ST
ideas and plots, you just can't use imagery taken directly from the shows
and movies.
> Trekker websites provide
> Viacom/Paramount FREE advertising and promote interest in Trek.
> Advertising and promotions increase their revenue, it doesn't take
> ONE cent out of their pocket. Those web sites actually EARN THEM
> MORE $$ by gathering more fans and creating interest.
You're absolutely right. This I think is your only valid argument. It
doesn't change the legality of the situation, which clearly puts Paramount
in the right. You're more than welcome to ask Paramount to continue to look
the other way as they've done up until now. I wish you luck. Just don't
expect to get your way by virtue of some right that you think you have to
the material.
When you go to a bookstore and you see a book that you want, you have to
*buy* it. They don't hand the books out because it's an idea and you're
entitled to it. In the real world, those that own have every right to ask
those that want to pay for it. I'm not thrilled that the main StarTrek site
is on MSN. I can't even see it if I wanted to because I'm on a Mac. It
sucks, but that's a different story. If ST fandom ceased to exist, and the
cause could be traced back to the demise of ST sites that contained
pictures and video clips on the internet, then that's your argument.
Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear. You have a much better chance
of getting your way if you can convince them that you're doing them a favor
in the long run. I hope you suceed, as I do enjoy the ST sites and I'd hate
to see them shut down.
--
Judi Sohn
judis@interport.net
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