A83: Ultimatum for Hays...

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A83: Ultimatum for Hays...


For those who want to get rid of Hays permanently...(as well as Hays, read
this ultimatum).

It is a rare situation when I run into complete idiots and I actually issue
an ultimatum (usually the idiots are smart enough to not be stupid around
me).  From now on, watch out Hays for software made by Shining Light
Productions.  Here is how I will prevent you from ever using my source code:

1)  I write my own game or program.  I give credit to those who wrote
simple sub-routines.

2)  I place all of my source code and the compiled program (if one exists)
onto a CD.

3)  I put the CD in a nice suitable carrying envelope that can travel
through the mail without getting damaged.

4)  I seal the envelope and put a sticker on the opening tab.

5)  I send the envelope to myself through the mail.

6)  I sue you if you copy my code.


That is the ultimatum.  By the copyright law, any code I write (even if the
source code is available) is under an implied copyright.  Anyone wanting to
have the right to sue Hays needs to make sure that they do not explicitly
state they have a copyright on their code (that's a federal offense worthy
of a fine).  If Hays has stated anywhere that they own the copyright to
YOUR code and you have performed the above (*always* get the real thing if
you plan to go into court), you can sue Hays for every penny they have (or
for a percentage of their income for the rest of their lives).  Again, here
are the steps to suing Hays:

1)  Make sure that you make no mention of copyright (not even the (C)
symbol) unless you have a registered copyright on your code.  Only two
weeks after filing for Copyright can you legally slap that (C) into your
code (it will take about 6 months for the copyright to go through, 3 if you
have a pending court case).

2)  Make sure your company is legally registered with your state.  Hays is
*NOT* legally registered as far as I know.  A single person (not part of a
group and not going under an assumed name/company) does not need to register.

3)  Don't forget to send yourself your code (CD is the most secure method).

4)  Get sue happy with Hays.  They will break either under the pressure or
through one successful lawsuit.


           Thomas J. Hruska -- shinelight@crosswinds.net
Shining Light Productions -- "Meeting the needs of fellow programmers"
                  http://www.shininglightpro.com/
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