IBS book (customized for each member) to hand to clients.

[jmichalski]

Originally Posted by mboyett

It's become obvious now that the brochure is not a NACHI product but an IBS offering at www.ibsww.com . Cheryl is right, the brochure is only available if purchused from IBS I'm sure and that is probably how Greg has his customized one already.

Any idea what the cost is? I know - I'm being lazy...but I just came back from the convention and I am on salespeople overload. I'm just looking for info, not a sales pitch.

[cvowell]

If I remember correctly, its a start up of about $200. and a monthly fee of $100 (or there about) They do a web site for you, web placement, a personlized 800 # with answering service, and brocure, business card layout. And of course, the nice customized Home Care Guide. I do not need the layout service, and I have a web site already. The 800# answering service, I am curious about as well as the web placement. I am trying it out for a few months, so I hope they can show me my money is being well spent. Soon.

[jmichalski]

Yeah, all I really wanted was the e-book. I hate the thought of someone answering the phone for me - no one can sell me like me!!

I also don't need the other frills. Hmmm. guess I will just have to put together my own!! Maybe even offer it as a stand alone product for a low ball price for NACHI members (why should I be the only one left out on the NACHI member-turned-vendor idea!!)

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Originally Posted by jmichalski

Yeah, all I really wanted was the e-book. I hate the thought of someone answering the phone for me - no one can sell me like me!!

I also don't need the other frills. Hmmm. guess I will just have to put together my own!! Maybe even offer it as a stand alone product for a low ball price for NACHI members (why should I be the only one left out on the NACHI member-turned-vendor idea!!)

I would just edit the the one that is already out there, I see no copyright baring you from doing that. If someone complains you only need to change 10% for it to no longer be considered plagiarized.

[jmichalski]

Originally Posted by jburkeson

I would just edit the the one that is already out there, I see no copyright baring you from doing that. If someone complains you only need to change 10% for it to no longer be considered plagiarized.

No copyright would be a serious error on their part. I think I may "modify" it for my own purposes..... Thanks!

[James Eubank]

If the "IBS book" is intentionally not copyrighted, so that NACHI members may edit it and use it freely, then we can do so. It is a well-designed item and I would be glad to use it. On the other hand, if the lack of a copyright was an oversight, then we should not take advantage of that mistake. I'm not talking about copyright legality, I'm talking about integrity (the right thing to do). As far as changing the item by 10% to avoid plagiarism: Even if that is technically legal, it still sounds like plagiarism to me. We don't build lasting businesses by taking undue advantage of others. Give credit where credit is due. Assuming that the "IBS book" is available for us as NACHI members, I think the thing to do would be to change only the red rectangle at the bottom of the first page, so that it includes two items: (1) the author's name and publication info, and (2) my business name and contact info (as distributor of the book).

[jmichalski]

Originally Posted by jeubank

If the "IBS book" is intentionally not copyrighted, so that NACHI members may edit it and use it freely, then we can do so. It is a well-designed item and I would be glad to use it. On the other hand, if the lack of a copyright was an oversight, then we should not take advantage of that mistake. I'm not talking about copyright legality, I'm talking about integrity (the right thing to do). As far as changing the item by 10% to avoid plagiarism: Even if that is technically legal, it still sounds like plagiarism to me. We don't build lasting businesses by taking undue advantage of others. Give credit where credit is due. Assuming that the "IBS book" is available for us as NACHI members, I think the thing to do would be to change only the red rectangle at the bottom of the first page, so that it includes two items: (1) the author's name and publication info, and (2) my business name and contact info (as distributor of the book).

Anyone who writes anything knows enough to get a copyright (unless they are attempting to save the money - i.e take the cheap way out.) I havea hard time believing it is an "oversight".

As such, I will probably modify it and use it. If there is a copyright issue, I would - of course - be happy to comply with it.

[Michael R. Boyett]

Originally Posted by jmichalski

(unless they are attempting to save the money - i.e take the cheap way out.)

It costs nothing to copyright something. You simply put "© 2006 'Your name'" and it's officially copyrighted.

[jmichalski]

You learn something new every day.....

From the US Copyright Office website:


Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.

I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

[Michael R. Boyett]

That's why you should always copyright all of your inspection reports. It's just easy to do and might be of some benefit in the future.

[gporter]

Well can we copy it or not?