OT : Iriswiki and copyright
iris@hort.net
  • Subject: OT : Iriswiki and copyright
  • From: &* B* <j*@cinci.rr.com>
  • Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:43:51 -0500
I have been following the development of the iriswiki and the current
controversy with a great deal of interest. I have seen some comments that have
made me feel I needed to post something and possibly get clarification on or
open up broader dialogue on. This is a little long, so if you have no interest
simply hit the delete key.

One issue is the concern over using official R&I descriptions in the iriswiki,
particularly copyright infringement and intellectual property infringement. As
a hybridizer I grow and evaluate seedlings. I decide what cross to make and
which resultant seedling will be introduced. Until I sell or give that plant
out there is no doubt that it is MY property and a result of my physical and
intellectual intervention upon mother nature. I also create the description
and deliver the other information necessary to complete the registration form,
so one would have to assume that that description is really MY intellectual
property. I also pay a fee for the registrar to process that information and
publish it in printed materials known as Checklists, which I then purchase. I
do not have a problem with this. I also pay a yearly fee to access the online
checklist for the ease of checking names and researching parentages. Again, I
have no problem with this fee.  I certainly hope the AIS at least recoups the
cost of producing the print checklists, including compensation for the
registrar and storefront. I also hope the AIS at a minimum covers the costs of
keeping the electronic checklists going. If there is cash left over,
great...it can be used for enhancements or to help in other areas. Where I
have a problem is with the concept that the AIS owns the intellectual property
and copyright over these entries, to wit that they may not be used for another
AIS venture such as the wiki or catalogs. If I introduce the iris, does this
mean I am violating a copyright for using the R&I entry I created? Do I need
"express written consent of the copyright holder" before I do this?

I certainly understand protecting the information, particularly from other
entities profiting from it such as Dave's Garden (which by the way refuses to
correct information even when provided by the hybridizer themself). However,
one needs to consider that something like the iriswiki will serve the function
of the AIS to promote irises, and to a vast audience which the 8000 or so
members of the AIS pales to in comparison. People will see irises and learn
about them, reduce frustration by knowing what may not grow in what area, etc.
I grow daylilies....their cultivar info is available in many places on the
'net for free. I also believe the fee for registering a daylily cultivar is
optional. Unless it has changed, only North American hybridizers must pay for
registrations...I am not sure I understand that one. Anyway, the Hemerocallis
Society doesn't seem to be having as many woes as AIS.

I have talked with many people who are current and past members of AIS. I am a
"past" member myself. There are many who feel that AIS is far too slow to
change and somewhat elitist. There is annually the discussion about falling
membership and cash flow. A free dissemination of information such as the
iriswiki is certainly not going to add much to the demise of the organization,
but it could very well aid it. Dinosaurs ruled the earth for 300 million years
until the lack of ability to adapt to changing conditions made them extinct.

My .02 for what it's worth.

John Bruce

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