On Tue, 22 Nov 1994 gvb[_at_]acd4.acd.com wrote:
> 1.) Is it legal to take, for instance, archives (whether personal
> or someone elses) of Usenet newgroups, add a text search engine, and
> distribute it as shareware for a price? Give me all the angles.
> 2.) Is it legal to do the same with mailing lists?
I read Douglas Winship's reply with interest, and feel strongly that lists that have grown out of the context of sharing knowledge, with a view to educate freely, should be continued in that vein with the participants being guardians of the list as well their own honour.
There may be other kinds of lists formed where the context could be set differently (for example all material posted is stated as free).
Since protocol is already established for non commercial use generally on the Internet, it would have to be made very clear at the outset (and continuously) of forming a discussion group, that it is an exception to the general 'rule'.
Meanwhile all commercial 'infopreneurs' should tread carefully. The Internet is a very large and very public place :-)
Jackie Mackay LEDGE
PHONE: +44 (0)71 490 1609 FAX +44 (0)71 490 4470
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