[Foundation-l] Baidupedia copyvio collections

Fri Jun 13 16:52:34 UTC 2008

effe iets anders wrote:
> I don't think that the most important issue here is the revision
> stuff. At least, it is not to me. What strikes me more is that any
> adapted version would not be released to the GFDL again. Which means
> that zhwikipedia can not take over that information again (with proper
> history of course, to give the good example).
>   
This is a good point.  Nevertheless, it could be argued that since using 
our material requires that anyone who uses it must put their derivative 
under GFDL we can use it whether they explicitly identify the licence or 
not.  In the same way that copyrights are automatic without the need to 
claim or register, so too would the application of GFDL.  Their GFDL 
rights could be terminated for breach of licence, but the termination 
clause still allows users of their material to keep the licence if they 
are compliant with it.
> Having no authors on the website is something that is reversible, but
> not having the license mentioned is not. The issue is much more
> pressing imho. I think this would also give the chance to compliment
> Baidu in some way: we would beleive that they will improve our text!
>
>   
Sorry to say this, but I think you mean "complement".  They don't 
deserve "compliments" for their behaviour. ;-)
Mixing those two up is a common error, even among native English speakers

We should feel free to use their material when it is substantially based 
on a Wikipedia article.  We should then give due credit to Baidu in the 
article's history.  They wouldn't dare sue us for that! (Evil :-P )  
Defending a legal action is much easier than prosecuting one.

Naturally a complementary relationship would be preferable.

Ec