On Aug 17, 2004, at 2:34 PM, Elias Ross wrote: > But if boat designs were protected by law, I think there is a chance > there would community developing around producing "community designs." > Whether or not they would be developed commercially or just by > hobbists is a good question. (And I am not here to advocate boat > designers do such a thing if there were such a law, or condemn or push > those who don't.) The reason that people do not give back as you > describe, is there is no such obligation under law. And there is no > "enabling technology" in place that allows for information to be > shared and updated easily. (This mailing list is a good example!) I really don't have any problem with the idea of a "open-source" style design database. I've actually had ideas along those lines myself. There are some logistical problems for design sharing (file format etc.) , but using a program like Ross Leidy's "KayakFoundary" http://www.blueheronkayaks.com/kayak/index.html most of them could be overcome. If you think it is really a good idea, all you need to do is start it. Use KayakFoundary to create a design and put it out there for people to work with. The design files are covered by all the same copyright laws as software. Finished boats are protected under the Vessel Hull Design Protection Act. I think this sort of project could become a wonderful resource, but I don't have the time. Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 824 Thompson St Glastonbury, CT 06033 USA Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847 http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Aug 18 2004 - 17:07:15 PDT
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