Re: Can't we all just get along?

[JCommHaznM <JCommHaznM...>]

>But if you
>choose not to get involved, stay out of the e-mail boxes of those of us who
>need help.  None of us are perfect; we are all trying to become better
>educators.  It's only the technology that has sparked this debate.

I heartily disagree with this approach, Neil, although it was worded and 
layed out quite nicely. :-) Technology makes no difference whatsoever 
when talking about following the letter of the law. This law was in 
effect before computer bulletin boards and will be in effect once we move 
on to something else. No matter how you look at it, try to rationalize 
it, or make excuses for it, it is still wrong and if that is not enough 
to have you stop, then it pays to remember that it is unlawful as well.

If a friend of mine called me and asked for some chords, lyrics, or even 
wanted to listen to a song, I would certainly help him/her with whatever 
he/she needed. As for e-mail, if I received a request for help via 
PRIVATE e-mail that was not also going to be displayed for public 
consumption, I may be more willing to perhaps list some chords or help 
with lyrics, since in this way there is no copyright infringement. 
HOWEVER, I would never do anyof these things if I know before hand that 
others will also see what I am posting and could be seen as copyright 
infringement.

Finally, as for "staying out of the e-mail boxes of those of us who need 
help" is just fine - if you are willing to forgo asking for and receiving 
copyrighted material via a public bulletin board. If you want help, 
e-mail the person PRIVATELY and not via the bulletin board and request 
your help and receive your answer. However, if you choose to exchange 
copyrighted information publicly, you must also be willing to receive 
harsh criticism from those of us who respect and follow the copyright 
guidelines and are dismayed by such blatant disregard for not only what 
is ethically "right", but is the law as well.

B'shalom,
jcommhazn (at) aol(dot)com