Re: Question

Thanx all for the timely and useful responses to my query. I see that a few more details are in order. The work I did is a major VRML world and it is being used as a demonstration at trade shows, one of which I attended. I was asked permission to use the world immediately prior to the show I attended and I agreed, as long as I was credited. At the show I was told they hadn't had time to add the credits (about 3 weeks). In discussions, later, as to how I may be compensated for the lack of credit, I was told I HAD been given credit at several other shows and they were named. Turns out that the two referenced shows had taken place prior to the show I had given permission for. Seems as though they were using my world all along and only asked permission when they realized that I would be at the show I attended. I am now being told that they are using my world in several upcoming shows. Fortuantely I registered the site and I believe the copy they used is the one I have registered.

My credibility is not in question so I don't need any more shows. Basically my feeling is that they have stolen my work and are using it for their own marketing effort. I find this reprehensible!

If I had taken their software and used it to sell my products, with, or without credit, I am quite sure I would be behind bars. AAMOF it happened to a 15 year old hacker friend of mine who had "cracked" 3D STUDIO. Now, he wouldn't have purchased it anyway and most of his friends can't afford a $3000 3D package, they didn't even know how to use it! But he had the FBI come to his house, confiscate his equipment and threaten him with hard time for "theft". Well, seeing as he wouldn't have bought it anyway the cost to the company was minimal. Now, I don't mean to down play the problem of software piracy but the irony is that these same companies (and you may be surprised when I go public with the name of the company) think nothing of stealing the work of artists and worrying about the consequences later. And, if they get caught they only have to pay for the material. I don't know if I have the time or money to register everything I do. I guess if I am selective and only register the big stuff and at the right time (many of the works are on-going) be careful to re-register it

So I go into the store and grab a watch. If I get out the door and away with it I get a free watch. If I get caught I have to pay for the watch! Think about it. Isn't that what is being done here. Am I to register everything I do so that I can sue after the fact?

Sorry for the rant but, if it has happened to others, maybe we should get together to institute a class action suit to get this law changed.

Thanx again.

L8r

--
Don Mayer, Cybertect
<don[_at_]pidwanger.com>

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