Backup gathering should this place go poof

[chem geek]

Technically, the content is owned by the author, though putting it into a public forum at least somewhat puts it into the public domain. So transferring posts from individuals from whom you have received permission should not be a problem at all -- copying without permission *might* be an issue (depends on whether such posts are truly considered to be public domain after posting). Ben's copyright is really for everything he has posted (plus see below).

As for the format of the forum itself, its main topic organization, etc., that is probably also copyright to Ben since he set that up initially, though that starts to get a little dicey as to how unique that is. If it is an exact copy, which is what it looks like was done in this case with PoolTalk, then that's probably not kosher. At least changing the sub-headings or providing some other unique value-add would be advisable.

Anyway, I'm hoping none of this becomes necessary, but I thank you for at least getting something set up. Given all the troubles that Ben had with hackers, I hope your site doesn't experience the same thing. Also, some sort of site where new people can register is needed. I've gotten requests from some other sites for people to talk to folks here (y'all have developed quite a reputation!) and I can't really help them.

[EDIT] Not that it matters much, but I did a little quick research and yes, technically, Internet postings have an implied copyright unless explicitly waived. Remember, however, that the ideas that are expressed are not copyrightable (though they are potentially patentable, depending on what those ideas describe -- i.e. an invention or process, but patenting requires an explicit filing and granting procedure). So the ideas and concepts can be expressed elsewhere in a different way and not violate the copyright. In essence, what is copyrighted is the explicit expression of an idea -- the words themselves, in the case of writing (or the actual visual presentation, in the case of art; or the actual notes at least of the melody, in the case of music). Now that said, it is probably reasonable to simply ask anyone if they object to copying their posts to another forum as that sort of "opt out" is the only practical way to do this. Also, note that unless the copyright is actually registered with the copyright office, then one is not in a good position to litigate violations. Since Internet postings are likely to have minimal "value" in terms of people purchasing the copyrighted words to read, such litigation is likely to lead nowhere. Of course, morality and law do not always intersect. I agree that IF Ben does not come back to this site or otherwise no longer wants to run it, then some form of royalty compensation (for some period of time or limited amount) from the "new" site that used this material would be a decent thing to do (and I wouldn't copy PoolSolutions at all without Ben's permission). [END-EDIT]

Richard