Being somewhat new to CPN, I try to mind my manners.
Being not new to the industry, at times I may come off a bit gruff.
So I post this at the risk of being branded a troll.
(Incedentally, this topic has arisen in several threads -- generally having degraded off-topic to heated discussion of the matter -- but I've only seen one [an opposing view of my own] dedicated to the topic itself.)
There's something I don't quite understand:
This is a board for the free sharing of thoughts, ideas and suggestions. You may accept the information posted here, or not, at your own risk. (At least that is my take-away from the context of discussion combined with the board rules.)
I happen to enjoy helping (as others I've read), so am open with sharing my knowledge and experience... Quite a generous offering considering the time, effort and personal monies we have dedicated to the endeavor.
Intellectual Property is quite another matter.
File data like Firmware or Software; Printed material like parts and technical manuals (now, through the miracle of technology, available in digital format for transfer and download); Utilities and tools like FW writers, uploaders, executable installers, etc. -- are Property. No different than a screwdriver, feed roller, or a laptop... And who would loan, or give, their favorite screwdriver to someone they've only just met on an internet forum?
I don't mind sharing my interpretation of said intellectual property, as filtered through my own gray matter, but is some cases material to which I am privy is a product of passkeys I've earned through certifications payed for dollar and cent by my present employer. I consider it, at best, a violation of ethics to share whole documents and, at worst, embezelment to sell them. (If this is a concept foreign you, I recommend reading Louis L'amore's Riding For The Brand.) Any materials wholly my own, I doubt I would offer for free, without some barter, trade or other arrangement... Things like drivers and Users Manuals are often open-source, and I'm happy to provide links.
I suspect that this is the situation of many CTN posters. Which brings me to my next point.
I'm full aware that there are a number of indy's and small outfits that simply don't have access to some of the up-to-date material readily available to other, larger organizations. There are outlets for you.
I won't mention him by name but one poster, in particular -- I've perused his website -- seems to me an honest businessperson offering a legitamate product at quite reasonable prices. I'm sure he's capable of defending himself, but I'm dismayed by the attacks that have been levied against him...
I suggest one of these outets for purchasing necessary business products. And make no mistake: Software and Manuals are Products, same as the Sharpies and legal pads, chairs and cabinets that keep an office functioning.
For the uninitiated, I think it's fair to explain ettiquette when they miss the mark. For those who just think I'm an idiot -- that's okay, because they'll probably be out of business soon after being busted for the pirated versions of Windows7 on their office computers...
There's an old saying in the hands-on field:
[/rant]
-I
Being not new to the industry, at times I may come off a bit gruff.
So I post this at the risk of being branded a troll.
(Incedentally, this topic has arisen in several threads -- generally having degraded off-topic to heated discussion of the matter -- but I've only seen one [an opposing view of my own] dedicated to the topic itself.)
There's something I don't quite understand:
This is a board for the free sharing of thoughts, ideas and suggestions. You may accept the information posted here, or not, at your own risk. (At least that is my take-away from the context of discussion combined with the board rules.)
I happen to enjoy helping (as others I've read), so am open with sharing my knowledge and experience... Quite a generous offering considering the time, effort and personal monies we have dedicated to the endeavor.
Intellectual Property is quite another matter.
File data like Firmware or Software; Printed material like parts and technical manuals (now, through the miracle of technology, available in digital format for transfer and download); Utilities and tools like FW writers, uploaders, executable installers, etc. -- are Property. No different than a screwdriver, feed roller, or a laptop... And who would loan, or give, their favorite screwdriver to someone they've only just met on an internet forum?
I don't mind sharing my interpretation of said intellectual property, as filtered through my own gray matter, but is some cases material to which I am privy is a product of passkeys I've earned through certifications payed for dollar and cent by my present employer. I consider it, at best, a violation of ethics to share whole documents and, at worst, embezelment to sell them. (If this is a concept foreign you, I recommend reading Louis L'amore's Riding For The Brand.) Any materials wholly my own, I doubt I would offer for free, without some barter, trade or other arrangement... Things like drivers and Users Manuals are often open-source, and I'm happy to provide links.
I suspect that this is the situation of many CTN posters. Which brings me to my next point.
I'm full aware that there are a number of indy's and small outfits that simply don't have access to some of the up-to-date material readily available to other, larger organizations. There are outlets for you.
I won't mention him by name but one poster, in particular -- I've perused his website -- seems to me an honest businessperson offering a legitamate product at quite reasonable prices. I'm sure he's capable of defending himself, but I'm dismayed by the attacks that have been levied against him...
I suggest one of these outets for purchasing necessary business products. And make no mistake: Software and Manuals are Products, same as the Sharpies and legal pads, chairs and cabinets that keep an office functioning.
For the uninitiated, I think it's fair to explain ettiquette when they miss the mark. For those who just think I'm an idiot -- that's okay, because they'll probably be out of business soon after being busted for the pirated versions of Windows7 on their office computers...
There's an old saying in the hands-on field:
- Good
- Cheap
- Fast
[/rant]
-I
).
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