Swapping copyrighted material

They are at it again, but not so blatant

[spaceylacie]

As long as I post that this is not allowed, example: snipping it when I see it posted with a notice that isn't not allowed, having a TOS that states it is not allowed, and starting a topic that explains the importance of not swapping copyrighted material so the understand the reason it's not allowed... this covers me if they decide to do it anyway?

On the board they are saying, hey, if you want this, send me a private message. It's unclear in individual posts whether they are talking about their own original material or copyrighted material since I never see the actual material(I encourage the swapping of original material and let them post away about it). But, as a whole, it is obviously happening because suddenly all my members have a copy of such and such... I know they didn't all run out and buy it! Many times they even come out and say, "thanks fellow board member for sending this to me behind spaceylacie's back." Well, they don't say it exactly like that, but you get the point.

Do I just post the rules, enforce them as much as possible, then look the other way?

[spaceylacie]

I'm double posting again... sorry. Since I didn't get a response here soon enough, and I was very concerned, I sent out a message to my moderators.

They harshly solved the problem. They said to members basically, "Do you want this board shut down or not?" This took the heat off me. Gotta love good mods.

[Sanenet]

Stick a large notice on the "post" page that any posting or swapping of copyrighter material that is obviously illegal will not be tolerated and will be removed.

If you're really worried, consult a lawyer. It depends on the precedent established within your country. (The USA is not the same as France, as it not the same in the UK, as it not same is Russia, as it not the same in Iran (assuming they survive another week! Sorry :) )!)

[spaceylacie]

My forum members are from many different countries. Many speak Dutch as their primary language. I think laws there are much different from the US, where I am from.

International laws on the Internet? I don't think these even exist. I was just worried about myself and liability, as a US citizen.

[Aircut]

why don't you remove the material and change it with

<remove copyright material - see TOS no copyright material on yourboard_name>

few times and anyone will learn...similar to link and specific editing on this board...

[spaceylacie]

"why don't you remove the material and change it with
<remove copyright material - see TOS no copyright material on yourboard_name>"

That's exactly what we do. But, members are finding ways around it, well, actually, they have temporarily stopped.

Anyway, yes, of course I've already tried that route. And no, they did not get the clue, many don't even speak english as their primary language.

[Lobo]

So people are not actually using your server to transfer information?

If that is the case, your problem is what exactly.. you think you can take some moral high ground? Police the Net? Tell people to stop talking?

Don't want to get in to the rights and wrongs of the practice, but it seems to me, telling people what they can and can not talk about is a strange thing for a forum to be doing?

[spaceylacie]

No, they are not using my server to transfer info.

Yes Lobo, that is my question. I am wondering, as a US citizen, how liable am I for what goes on beyond... but from starting from... my forum.

[Lobo]

As long as there is no transfer of copyright material on your server than there is nothing to answer...