CompuServe Messages

Rick – This is not a public domain network, it is some thing you buy, and therefore, someone has rights to what is being sold, and rights are being transferred. Therefore, Compuserve can secure an ongoing 'collection copyright' over all the information here, and charge for it, and control its distribution. Otherwise, someone could repost the message base or DLs to another network, and Compuserve would have no control of their product, which is a simple case of property law, extended to the information age. So, although this stuff may be PD, it isn't while it's here. I think there is strength to the "parts is parts" argument, but not here. Of course, some networks and BBSes regard PD as PD, and there is little question raised. You are free to go to those networks, of course.