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But which law would HN use to compel you to shutdown your project? -Not trademark because there is none here. -Not copyright because you can't copyright facts
by MichaelApproved 15y ago
But which law would HN use to compel you to shutdown your project?
-Not trademark because there is none here.
-Not copyright because you can't copyright facts. You might get them on the structure of the facts (this bit of info is first, that bit is second and this is third) but with a site like HN, there is no fixed structure, except that at one time this link was in the top X. I believe that's a fact more than structure.
-Comments! Now that's the weak link. If you don't get permission from each commenter, you're likely infringing. HN cant shut you down but they can incourage others to and it only takes one commenter to make your life difficult in this type of publication.
IANAL but this is my understanding. If anyone knows different, please correct me where I'm wrong.
- joering2 15y agoI'm not sure, as I am not an attorney. The basis would be that without Hacker News website, there would be no Hacker News Monthly. It doesn't take a rocket science to imagine that running busy site like HN takes someones time AND money. HNM editor clearly profits off of it, just leaving all the costs to HN and squeezing essence out of it, making reasonable bucks for himself (again: kudos to the author; had I had time and balls to pull this of.... I'm just pointing out what would stop me from putting my time/effort into it) I guess time will show (if HNM will keep traction) if HN will somehow, anyhow react.