Why we don't host apps at MobileRead

Nate the great · 07-17-2011, 04:40 PM

A few days ago I deleted an app that one user had uploaded. At the time I did it I was applying an old and established forum policy, and the app was a clear violation.

I was asked today to clarify and explain the policy.

We have a clear policy which applies to all content at MR, which is that copyrighted material can only be uploaded with the copyright holder's permission. That applies equally to books and apps.

What this rule means is that MR does not host copyrighted content unless we know that it was released under GPL, CC, or some other license that makes it okay for us to host and distribute a copy or if the author uploads a copy.

This rule has mainly been applied to ebooks, not apps, but the issue of apps has come up before. It was over 3 years ago, and the app was Mobipocket Desktop. I was not allowed to post a copy to MR because it was copyrighted.

crich70 · 07-20-2011, 06:49 AM

Interesting. I always just figured that it was a matter of mobile read just being for ebooks and apps not being included because they are basically computer programming, though I can see the point that they are under copyright unless otherwise released as well.

kennyc · 07-20-2011, 07:38 AM

And even the copyright thing is flakey.

There are books posted for download that are certainly still covered by copyright in some countries.

We've been through this before, but I'm certain certain people will now pop up and say, "Oh ...but...."

ficbot · 07-20-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

And even the copyright thing is flakey. There are books posted for download that are certainly still covered by copyright in some countries.

It's not flaky at all. My understanding was that since the server is in Canada, the rule is that the book must be public domain in Canada. If you happen to live in a country that is not Canada (or another life+50 country) that is your own issue and you are free to not download the book. Just because you live in a different country than the server does, it doesn't mean the rule is 'flaky.'

hidari · 07-20-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

And even the copyright thing is flakey.

There are books posted for download that are certainly still covered by copyright in some countries.

We've been through this before, but I'm certain certain people will now pop up and say, "Oh ...but...."

Don't FLAKE out on us Kennyc.... We need you down in the P&R SWAMP. Keep up the fight. Kennyc. We are rooting for you....Don't worry brother we are all stardust brothers....

kennyc · 07-20-2011, 12:20 PM

kennyc · 07-20-2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ficbot

It's not flaky at all. My understanding was that since the server is in Canada, the rule is that the book must be public domain in Canada. If you happen to live in a country that is not Canada (or another life+50 country) that is your own issue and you are free to not download the book. Just because you live in a different country than the server does, it doesn't mean the rule is 'flaky.'

Yeah, yeah, we been through all that.....flaky.

crich70 · 07-22-2011, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

And even the copyright thing is flakey.

There are books posted for download that are certainly still covered by copyright in some countries.

We've been through this before, but I'm certain certain people will now pop up and say, "Oh ...but...."

Probably true. Some people just have to argue a point even if it's been gone over with a fine toothed comb long before they hear of it. I tend to think it's because some people aren't happy unless they are arguing something. lol. Good old human nature, don't you just love it.

GeoffC · 07-23-2011, 05:07 AM

who's arguing ?

crich70 · 07-23-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffC

who's arguing ?

No one in particular. I just meant that if there is a topic somewhere, even if it has been gone over time and again someone somewhere will argue for this point or that point of the topic.

kennyc · 07-23-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crich70

No one in particular. I just meant that if there is a topic somewhere, even if it has been gone over time and again someone somewhere will argue for this point or that point of the topic.

Truth!

Bilbo1967 · 07-23-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crich70

No one in particular. I just meant that if there is a topic somewhere, even if it has been gone over time and again someone somewhere will argue for this point or that point of the topic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

Truth!

No, I don't believe that's true at all

kennyc · 07-23-2011, 04:17 PM

See what I mean!

crich70 · 07-25-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

See what I mean!

Touche kennyc. lol.

Freeshadow · 08-03-2011, 10:16 PM

So since we know now Why we don't host apps at MobileRead the only question remaining is Why we don't apply for hostesses for MobileRead-ers

@Nate

Spoiler:

07-17-2011, 04:40 PM	#1
Nate the great Sir Penguin of Edinburgh Posts: 12,375 Karma: 23555235 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro area Device: Shake a stick plus 1	Why we don't host apps at MobileRead A few days ago I deleted an app that one user had uploaded. At the time I did it I was applying an old and established forum policy, and the app was a clear violation. I was asked today to clarify and explain the policy. We have a clear policy which applies to all content at MR, which is that copyrighted material can only be uploaded with the copyright holder's permission. That applies equally to books and apps. What this rule means is that MR does not host copyrighted content unless we know that it was released under GPL, CC, or some other license that makes it okay for us to host and distribute a copy or if the author uploads a copy. This rule has mainly been applied to ebooks, not apps, but the issue of apps has come up before. It was over 3 years ago, and the app was Mobipocket Desktop. I was not allowed to post a copy to MR because it was copyrighted.

08-03-2011, 10:16 PM	#15
Freeshadow temp. out of service Posts: 2,818 Karma: 24285242 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Duisburg (DE) Device: PB 623	So since we know now Why we don't host apps at MobileRead the only question remaining is Why we don't apply for hostesses for MobileRead-ers @Nate Spoiler: Sorry Nate, but... this title was just begging for the pun. May I ask for a helmet before the green club comes down?

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07-20-2011, 06:49 AM	#2
crich70 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,310 Karma: 43993832 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Monroe Wisconsin Device: K3, Kindle Paperwhite, Calibre, and Mobipocket for Pc (netbook)	Interesting. I always just figured that it was a matter of mobile read just being for ebooks and apps not being included because they are basically computer programming, though I can see the point that they are under copyright unless otherwise released as well.

07-20-2011, 07:38 AM	#3
kennyc The Dank Side of the Moon Posts: 35,930 Karma: 119747553 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, CO Device: Kindle2 & PW, Onyx Boox Go6	And even the copyright thing is flakey. There are books posted for download that are certainly still covered by copyright in some countries. We've been through this before, but I'm certain certain people will now pop up and say, "Oh ...but...."

07-20-2011, 12:20 PM	#6
kennyc The Dank Side of the Moon Posts: 35,930 Karma: 119747553 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, CO Device: Kindle2 & PW, Onyx Boox Go6

07-23-2011, 05:07 AM	#9
GeoffC Chocolate Grasshopper ... Posts: 27,599 Karma: 20821184 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scotland Device: Muse HD , Cybook Gen3 , Pocketbook 302 (Black) , Nexus 10: wife has PW	who's arguing ?

07-23-2011, 04:17 PM	#13
kennyc The Dank Side of the Moon Posts: 35,930 Karma: 119747553 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, CO Device: Kindle2 & PW, Onyx Boox Go6	See what I mean!