Posting links to downloads of R. Franz' books CoC & ISoCF

by Lady Lee 41 Replies latest forum announcements

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  AllTimeJeff

  Do I care if the WatchTower's drivel is ripped off and exposed for the crap that it is? No - they are a multi-billion dollar publishing corporation that breaks families apart, is responsible for the deaths of many many thousands and more.

  To me, there is a read difference. Franz's book was always a straight up commercialy produced and distributed enterprise. The WTBTS books, (which frankly, no one wants on the internet anyway, because its all crap) are produced with free labor, paid for on a donation basis. They lie and twist about their own publishing methods and how it is paid for, and the profit it makes.

  The WTBTS tries to argue at times that even quoting their publications amounts to copyright infringment, which is not true. In Ray Franz case, you have entire chapters and in some cases, all of the book being pirated by overzealous exposers of Jehovah's Witnesses. The ends certainly do not justify the means in that case. If you don't believe me, buy the book, read it, and find out why!
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  possible-san

  Simon.

  Did you say me "idiot"?

  If you make a fool of me, I will not write here any longer.
  I ask your opinion.

  possible
• 

  AllTimeJeff

  I sense the language barrier is creating some mis understandings here.
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  possible-san

  Therefore, I am asking the exact meaning of that language.

  An important thing is not what you said, but is that "attitude" of yours.
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  AllTimeJeff

  Never mind.

  San, I don't know how this will translate in your native language, but in English, we have an idiom that suggests we should "not take ourselves too seriously."

  Don't be easily insulted. This is an internet board only. No one knows you, and I doubt anyone ever will. Same goes for me and most everyone here. And besides that, your opinion has been noted. That doesn't mean that everyone should agree with you, even if you think you are right.

  PEACE!
• 

  VM44

  Lady Lee, thank you for starting this thread.

  Possible-San, please do not be too sensitive about the comments made here. Lady Lee and others just want to make sure that Ray Franz is not "ripped off" by un-authorized distribution (and possible un-authorized alterations) of his books.

  I am dealing currently with severe health issues and these online "arguments" appear to me to just not be very important.

  Even arguing with a mods decision is not important, unless you want to remain posting on this board! :)

  How about this?

  If you think Ray Franz deserves our support, then do not post un-authorized links to his books. Posting a link to his website would help him.

  If you think that The Watchtower is a false religion that has been dishonest in some of the material it has published, and that it does not truly respect individuals, then post ALL the links you can find to Watchtower documents and books.

  Peace be with you.
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  Wasanelder Once

  This is a real eye opener. It has truly defined the approach of many on this board. Instead of being like JW's and staunchly denouncing all illegal activity (and then secretly breaking the law by copying CD's, Cassettes and DVD's), people here will proclaim their hatred for a practice and then apply situation ethics to openly be hypocritical about doing what they hate. Because the pirating of CD's, Cassettes and the such is so pervasive, the practice is completely hazy and not seen as illegal but to those who are caught. Just as many have justified the breaking of the law for their own purpose i.e., quoting Watchtower literature for exposing the cult, possible-san came up with his own rationale for pdf'ing Rays work... in order for purchasers to obtain it in PDF form without paying twice. Each side is doing the same thing, except those quoting the society feel the end justifies the means. Well, I guess we'll never get that perfect world that Jehovah promises so long as everyone keeps making up their own rules. Personally I think everything comes down to what you want. I wrote a book and don't want it copied and distributed and yet I want the WT to tank. Go team apostate! W.Once
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  VM44

  Wasanelder Once,

  Would this be better?

  "Post ALL the links you can find to Watchtower documents and books whose copyrights have expired."

  This would include all the Russell and Rutherford books and magazines.
• 

  JeffT

  As an aspiring writer, I can understand wanting to protect copyrights. Ray pretty much gave his life to the WTBS and now has to support himself somehow. Would you steal an old man's social security check? Taking his books is the same thing.

  The WTBS distributes its material for free (or claims to). Therefore they can't claim that they are losing income if some one takes it. I wish I had the resources to fight them in court, it would be interesting to say the least.
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  Wasanelder Once

  Don't misunderstand vm44, I just think that the situation basically turns a light on the whole evil watchtower protecting thier copyright. I feel we are fighting the giant and our rock isn't hitting him square in the head because of the whole copyright thing. Yet we, myself included, keep slinging. I agree in protecting Ray Franz's copyright and agree that posting the link is not legal. I don't agree with the rationale to post it. I just think we sometimes are hard on the whole "Theocratic warfare strategy" when we have one of our own, disregarding the copyright of the "newer" WT literature and videos in order to expose. Let's just put up our fists and keep fighting the Mother organization and leave Ray's book alone..... W.Once