I am very confused by the discussion about the rulebook. I do not
understand the relevance of the rules being the "intellectual
property" of anyone, or how they can actually be "intellectual
property." They are rules. There's nothing secret about them. If
there is, then no one can follow them. They are a description of what
must be / can be done if you wish to participate in an SCCA event. If
the rules set is not easily available to members, if not the public,
then how does the SCCA expect any entrants?
> You seem to be confusing "trade secrets" with "Intellectual Property"
> "Trade Secrets" are protected with other laws in addition to IP laws.
> Books like "Hoyel's Card Games", which amounts to a collection of rules
> are also considered IP, and protected under copyright laws.
> Lists, however, are not protected, so you can make as many
> copies of the phone book as you like.
As to the printability / etc of the CD files, it has been mentioned
that the "protection" is an accident of manufacture. If so, why does
the rulebook include mention of that "protection?"
> I cannot find where, in the rulebook it specifically mentions the
> Security setting in the PDF file. Could you tell me where that is?
I purchased a copy of the GCR & Solo II rules (from the SCCA).
Now, if I want to print a section of it for reference / to write on /
because the font size in the book is too small / because I want to
read it while working on my car without getting grease all over my
"good" copy, what's the problem? How does that infringe whatever
"intellectual property rights" the SCCA might have?
I simply cannot understand how the SCCA can think that restricting
access to the rules benefits them in any way. If I am not a member,
but wish to research what is involved in autocrossing / club racing /
etc my car in order to determine whether I can afford it / have any
interest, I cannot find that information on the SCCA website, to my
knowledge. I can find it elsewhere, but I don't understand why it is
necessary for someone to NOT go to the SCCA in order to get
information on SCCA regs.
Again, we are talking about a rules set that event participants are
REQUIRED to follow in order to legally participate in an SCCA event.
If you restrict access to the rules set, you restrict participation.
Is this the goal?
> Don't apply logic here, as it will cause your brain to hurt.
> Not a nice thing. :-)
> (I, personally, happen to agree with you, and have been pushing
> this issue with everyone, including my Director, and "Big Steve",
> in person. Don't expect the mountain to move any time soon.)
> Yes, the rule books (all of them) are a revenue source for the club,
> and they don't want upset that stream of money.
Lee Nichols
> Dave.
> p.s. The club is not nasty, as I actually have permission (in writing)
> to make some copies "electronically", and to try a few
> experiments with them. (For the GCR, not the Solo rules.)
> I do not have permission to
> distribute those copies, however.
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