26 May
2006
26 May
'06
12:39 a.m.
For example, I've got a few CD's from an
outfit called i-Mode, called
"Developer Source"--basically a compendium of source code from a whole mess
of computer magazines. I take it that said source is still under copyright
and must be squirreled away until about 2080. Am I right? Will the CD
last that long? Will there still be CD readers in 2080?
How about some of the old subscription disk publications, like Big Blue
Disk? Fair game to publicly archive or not?
That GW-BASIC manual as well as several other publications would still be
under copyright--has Microsoft given its consent to republish old manuals?
If the material is no longer available commercially and the material is
at least 10 years old then I would put it on line. In those rare
circumstances where I know the whereabouts of the rights holder, I will
take the effort to ask permission first. If denied, then the material
never hits the site.
I also hold the policy that if the legitimate rights holder contacts me
and asks for the material to be removed, I'll do so immediately. This
has (if my memory hasn't failed completely) happened only once.
In order to save software & documentation for old platforms, it may be
necessary to take the stance that it's easier to apologize afterwards
than ask permission before hand.
g.