[bt-devel] Fwd: Re: SWORD

[Fred Saalbach]

Another problem with a text converter is that it would make it to easy
to use bible time with any ascii text.  This would dilute the purpose of
the project in a way that I don't think would be desirable.  
Fred

Martin Gruner wrote:
> 
> 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...