While you are probably *technically* correct about the public domain
argument, it seems to go against the whole grain of the "letterboxing
spirit" if indeed there is one. To me, this mean mutual respect for
each other and the desire to communicate and share thoughts and stamp
images. After all, what happens to the box log book when it's full?
The placer takes it home, (hopefully) replaces it, and perhaps takes
enjoyment from reading the comments and seeing the personal stamps of
all who have visited.
It's easy to say "well you made it public so now we can do what we
want with it" but then it's just as easy for people like the Drew
Clan and others to simply withdraw all their boxes and not
participate. This is a lose-lose situation for all. The U.S.A. is a
bit bigger than the Dartmoor area geographically (purposeful
understatement) so hence we all communicate primarily electronically.
But I don't think this means we necessarily have to ignore the basic
respect we could have for one another.
I like to think of this list rather like a big pub on the edge of the
moors...a loud raucous place with people arguing, discussing, giving
tips, asking questions, and (probably) getting tipsy on occasion. The
analogy to the original hobby is still alive and kicking if you look
hard enough.
Just some random thoughts, spewed onto my keyboard. :)
Solor
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Nail Family"
wrote:
> Ms Alafair,
> With all due respect to you who has been a benefactor to the Nail
> Family, I would like to express my opinion on the matter of a
> database.
>
> In my opinion, if a box placer does not want his/her boxes to be
> subject to sit-reps, database reports, spoilers and the like, then
> that person should not make the clues public. I believe that I
have
> a right to express my exprerience in a public forum and if the
boxes
> I have found have been made available to me by a public forum then
I
> have every right to report on them as I experience them, whether
> found or not, whether I am correct in assuming missing or not. I
> have the respect to not report a box as absolutely missing and I
> also have the wisdom to not spoil a location, especially a mystery
> one.
>
> If I, as a box creator and placer, do not want my creations subject
> to such reports I can limit who has access to the clues. This will
> limit the number of people who will find the boxes but it will also
> give me some control over that aspect. It also adds to the
mystique
> of the sport in some cases.
>
> This is the risk in having boxes available to the general public:
> public knowledge-public access.
>
> Just my 2 cents.
> Nailhead
>
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Alafair"
> > Though I have not read the contents of the database, I have read
> the
> > comments on the list with respect to its pros and cons.