[sword-devel] Other Bible versions

[Chris Little]

On Sun, 27 Jun 2004, Richard Gray wrote:

> (Sorry Mr. moderator, I sent from the wrong address :) )

But, then again, we also see virtually no spam on this list.  :)

> I saw on the e-sword site that the American Bible Society licensed both the Good 
> News (TEV) and CEV versions to them for free release. I mailed the American 
> Bible Society to ask them about getting more general release privileges, but 
> have yet to hear anything back. They do have a toll-free number you can call, 
> but I live in the UK, so its not actually toll-free for me :)

We're kind of clueless about how e-Sword got permission to distribute the 
TEV or CEV for free, and so are our contacts at ABS.  But, in fairness, 
the people we know at ABS aren't the rights people.  Let us know if you 
hear anything useful in reply.
 
> On a slightly different note, my current understanding of these things
> is that if we in our church have copies of a particular version of the
> bible, then I am within my rights to hold a digital copy of the same,
> for use in services etc (obviously satisfying whatever current copying
> conditions apply). Am I way off the mark on this one?

Yup, you're off the mark and this is untrue.  You're entitled to excerpt 
from your print editions by typing selections yourself (fair use), but 
there are no rights to shift format from print to electronic unless you 
have some disability that prohibits you from using a copyrighted work in 
the only format in which it is sold.  And what's more, there are 
definitely no rights for individuals or organizations like CrossWire to 
distribute copies of copyrighted works without a license of some sort.

> Finally, I'm a programmer, I'd like to help, is there anything that I
> can do, or stuff that I should read to see if I can get involved?

The todo list is at www.crosswire.org/todo .

--Chris