Copyright information

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 1:33 pm

I am trying to find consensus on a controversial topic so all responses are appreciated.

Whilst it is accepted practice morally and legally to not change copyright information within files or site footers etc etc what do you (those of you reading this) think of the following scenario;

I have an old module that I am updating primarily for my own use, though I may possibly release it at a later date.
The code was originally written in 2004 but is no longer maintained by the original author (not that it should matter).

The code was then modified by someone else in 2005 by someone who replaced the copyright info in the modules block file with his own (he just left the name of the original author but replaced their contact details (web address, email etc) with his own.

The code was then modified again in 2006 by someone else the kept all of the copyright data and appended their own to show they had worked on it but did not replace any of the existing details.

So to my question;
As the only copyright info is via a jabba script pop up box, there is only so much room for data before things start getting ugly.
So, should I just keep the original authors copyrights intact and append my own or should I keep all of the info from everyone that has been known to work on it or, just the copyright info from the last person that worked on it or...........

registered · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:20 pm

I would keep everyone's copyright in there. The idea is to give people credit for their work (as much or little as they did).

Involved Joined: Apr 06, 2008 Posts: 484

if people just modify the way it looks or actually contribute to the code leave it there but if someone is to basically re-write it then put yours.I mean we all use other people's code via copy and paste to save time but we don't credit them for it as you are basically writing it your self.If you are to go over every little bit of the code with a tooth comb and secure and enhance it well put your own I say.

if some one has written a specialised function you could give them credit for that, there's a million ways to look at it i suppose

this all depends on the original author no longer having anything to do with it.

but on a serious note if I do see a module with montego's credits I replace them with my own because in a former life I taught him everything he knows so that really makes it mine Razz

registered · Site Admin Joined: Jun 04, 2004 Posts: 6437

I agree with Evaders.

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:35 am

Thanks for clarifying what I have already done Smile

I think I'll convert it from a pop-up to a static html page to ensure anyone coming after me has sufficient room to add their own info and to ensure those who previously worked on it get their info re-instated.

Edited by me to clarify "re-instated" - to re-instate copyright or other information which may have been previously removed or obscured before I worked on it..

registered · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:18 am

testy1, watch out... I know who you are and I know people. Wink

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:58 pm

I didn't write that someone must have hacked my account lol speedtype

I actually think the credits page in RNYA is a good idea as it cleans up the code but still leaves the credits there.

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:40 pm

Sure...flattery gets you everywhere

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:25 pm

lol busted