[RFI] Paying for information

[Cortland Richmond]

There's a long wrangle possible in this topic. Let's make it a short one
(grin).

Jim's paper wasn't in aid of the hobby, but the EMC profession. In this
particular case, it appears the publisher owns the copyright (a "made for
hire" work, perhaps). But while one might talk about physics openly,
handing away one's livelihood is another matter.  People who write books
and magazine articles should be paid for them.

In any event there is a LOT of "free" information to be garnered on the
Web. 

There IS a case to be made for free access to _standards_. If government
regulations reference standards one must BUY (ANSI and IEC standards, EN's,
GR's, etc.), it is rather like selling the right to know what the law says.

Hi, Mister. I'm selling subscriptions to stoplights. You can't drive
without one!


Cheers,


Cortland






> [Original Message]
> From: Tom Rauch <w8ji at contesting.com>
> To: RFI List <rfi at contesting.com>; Jim Smith <jimsmith at shaw.ca>
> Date: 12/23/2003 2:39:45 AM
> I draw the line at paying. I make it a point to NOT pay for references in
a
> hobby where people are here to help people, no matter who gets the profit.