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"SB" == Simon Bennett <simon.bennett@ntlworld.com> writes:
SB> I have a plan to go back over these posts and compile a list,
SB> perhaps to suggest that we could model some in LDRAW so we can see
SB> how they might work. What do people think?
What would the legal ramifications of such an effort be?
I've heard, for example, that in the Babylon 5 newsgroups (a science
fiction tv show), where officials of that show also participate,
posting story ideas is a definite no-no. This because if such a story
idea was posted there, and a similar idea was later used in the show,
the show might potentially be sued by the original poster, claiming
that his ideas had been stolen. In other words, if, against all odds,
a story idea does get posted to said newsgroup, nothing remotely like
it can ever be used afterwards in the show.
Of course, that question is academic, since the show has been
terminated. Lego, however, is still in business, and, we all hope,
will stay in business for a long time to come, so in relation to Lego,
this question is very much not academic.
What, then, are the legal ramifications of posting ideas for new
pieces in a forum where Lego officials participate? What, for that
matter, are the legal ramifications of posting MOCs in such a forum?
After a detailed discussion of some new piece X, possibly, as
described above, complete with .dat file describing the piece in
tremendous detail, how would Lego feel about making such a piece, or
even a similar piece? After a post describing, say, a Technic cement
mixer, possibly, again, complete with .dat file, how would Lego feel
about producing a Technic cement mixer as an official set? (Or did
even this suggestion rule out that possibility?)
From the other side of the fence: If somebody on Lugnet suggested a
new piece X, and two years later (say) a set was produced containing a
piece very similar to X, how would the original poster feel? If, two
years from now, a new Technic set was released that was very similar
to a MOC posted here by poster Y, how would poster Y feel?
Note that this is a what-if scenario. I'm not suggesting that Lego
really would 'steal' somebody's MOC. It would still, I think,
influence Lego's behaviour.
Does this not suggest that participation by Lego in these forums
(which, I imagine, is something we all appreciate) has consequences
for what can be discussed here (which, I imagine, is something we
might appreciate a good bit less)?
Just my 0.02 Swedish crowns,
Johannes.
--
"In film you will find four basic story lines. Man versus man, man versus
nature, nature versus nature, and dog versus vampire." - Steven Spielberg
<insert funny description here>
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