What will Masterplan be after the C&D?

[Obryn]

This is a very important question to have answered - I don't want to download the new version if it deletes all of my old info.

Can anyone give a definitive answer?

Just don't overwrite it.

Heck; I have a 7-zipped backup of my entire folder, that folder, and soon will have a Masterplan 9 folder which I'll try to move my .library files to. I'm just not home at the moment.

-O

 

[tomBitonti]

Yup, I agree that is the likely claim. However, I can't find a single case that assigns blame to the makers of data scraper software for the transfer of infringing material by a third party end user. It's the heart of the theory that most people are putting out here. I am not saying that such cases don't exist, mind you. It's what I'm asking Mudbunny about in PM. So, I'm all ears if people have a case for it.

Hi,

Do file sharing cases work as an analogue? Providing a file sharing capabilities is OK, but not if it is done with the intent to enable infringing copying. (Note: I am not meaning to say or imply that the following was Masterplan's intent!) If Masterplan was created with the intent to allow folks to access the DDI material in ways other than allowed by the license, that would seem to be an analogue.

Thx!

 

[doctorhook]

I can confirm that all of my previous libraries from Masterplan v8.8 are still working with v9.0.

 

[Kafen]

Hi,

Do file sharing cases work as an analogue? Providing a file sharing capabilities is OK, but not if it is done with the intent to enable infringing copying. (Note: I am not meaning to say or imply that the following was Masterplan's intent!) If Masterplan was created with the intent to allow folks to access the DDI material in ways other than allowed by the license, that would seem to be an analogue.

Thx!

*bows to Masterplan devs* They are a smart bunch.

The nearest match for a case involves an airline that sends a series of C&D letters. The software company refuses to comply. In this case, the product for sale is the primary gateway along with several refusals on the part of the software company to work with the airline. Can they take action if Masterplan removes the data scraper feature and does not pay? Hmmm... WOTC has to sue in Texas for this case to apply. *recalls something about WOTC terms stating that Washington state is their place where they litigate.*

There is an alternative case that depends on CFAA which allows for damages to be an issue. Masterplan has to scrape the data and host the information, though.

The third 'best' chance comes up from users here, WOTC can claim server load is an issue. However, one crawl is not server damaging.

Keep in mind, the above three* only apply to scrapers. I know there is a quaint little law site that covers part of it if people want the long version. Anywho, WOTC has to pick which one applies. Chances are, I would bet it's the first aspect if they want to attack the scraper code. If it's the case, WOTC faces two points. First off, Masterplan no longer scrapes the data. Second, it is non commercial which gives zero room to make "intentional damage claim" which is at the heart of the airline claim.

Of all the people in the topic, you are the only one that asks the right question. It's why I bow to the devs of Masterplan. As a free piece of software, the act of compliance shows they are willing to work with WOTC. It goes a long way towards gutting any future claims that WOTC stands to make if they decide to go along the airline route as it shows that they intend no harm in this version.

Do I continue to think that Masterplan 8.8 is valid? Yes, but... I like the route they took. Gut the most obvious trigger conditions for a potential claim and let WOTC deal with copyright enforcement. It's why I do not buy into the copyright claims of people. The Copyright Act does not support such claims against scrapers ( at this time - who knows in the future ).

*I am fairly sure the three complaints are the most common ones cited.

 

[tomBitonti]

Thx. Have to think for real, since copyright and patent are important where I work. Have to thank Paula Samuelson, from the ACM, from years ago, for providing some very excellent articles.

I suppose what matters is intent, as shown by an active policy.

Thx again!

Tom B

 

[LordGraz'zt]

I have only just got back into 4E and been learning about this fantastic tool - just in time for WotC to do their usual C&D magic.

Can anyone help me out with some libararies?

Admin here. Do not use this site to ask where to get pirated material, please. ~ PCat

 

[Mephistopheles]

Can anyone help me out with some libararies?

Demon Prince or no, that request is likely to get you into trouble.

The best you could do is look for a copy of 8.8 and do a scrape of your own, assuming you have a DDI subscription and WotC haven't changed anything to break that feature of 8.8.

 

[LordGraz'zt]

I saw a method to scrape the Compendium using AutoHotKey but assumed that its already been done so was hoping to save myself some time

 

[Asmor]

just in time for WotC to do their usual C&D magic.

Their usual C&D magic? This is the only C&D I can recall which is remotely questionable. Hyperbole gets us nowhere.

Demon Prince or no, that request is likely to get you into trouble.

Not very likely. I mean, at worst, maybe a slap on the wrist from one of the admins here on the board, but I can't picture any scenario where a request like that, or even following through on it, would actually get anyone in anything remotely resembling trouble.

We don't allow people to ask for, or distribute info on getting, pirated material. We'd much rather people respect this policy than try to see how much they can get away with. People are welcome to drop me a PM if they wish to discuss this further. ~ PCat

The best you could do is look for a copy of 8.8 and do a scrape of your own, assuming you have a DDI subscription and WotC haven't changed anything to break that feature of 8.8.

This

 

[LordGraz'zt]

Thankyou for the suggestion.