[bt-devel] Fwd: Re: SWORD

[Martin Gruner]

IMO we should now concentrate on the conversation with Mr. Bader.
If it fails, we can write converters.

One disadvantage of converters and (even more) uploading: too much effort is 
requested from the users. they might have to by several program packages, run 
converters etc. 
might const lots of money...

Martin

On Fre, 22 Sep 2000, you wrote:
> Joachim Ansorg writes:
> > Hi!
>
> Hi Joachim!
>
> The following is trimmed to the specific points I want to address.
>
> > I'm wondering if we simply can't buy such a CD or ASCII text and
> > implement support in SWORD for it or offer something like a converting
> > CGI script on the web (Upload the module and get it back converted via
> > eMail).
> >
> > Does somebody know if this is possible and legal?
>
> I would be hesitant to say what is legal, but from my understanding of U.S.
> fair use, it is acceptable to do virtually anything with items you
> purchase, other than redistribute.  (I understand there are exceptions, but
> for an ascii text, I believe it would apply).
>
> For example, I can tape a CD onto cassette tape, I can video tape
> television programs, I can mark up my books, etc...
>
> I would think that converting text is anothert matter where this would be
> seen in the same way, as long as it is for the person who owns the initial
> product.
>
> Uploading the data for processing crosses a line where I wouldn't want to
> deal with the laws...  Because of this, I would suggest the development of
> a program to convert texts from one format (the cheapest one available) and
> convert it to another (GBF or Thml come to mind) and distribute it with
> Sword or BibleTime.  Another option is to analyze the file, and create
> modules to read the initial format...  This of course assumes that we don't
> break any licensing issues by reverse engineering the software, perhaps it
> could be done by analyzing the data.
>
> I like your idea, but in my opinion, the uploading then downloading could
> be seen as copyright infringement...