Are there any forum guidelines regarding attaching files produced by others? I would like to respond to a post regarding stairs and attach a PDF from The Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA.) My main concern is that the document is copyrighted by SMA, I wouldn’t modify the document, just download it and attach it. Maybe a link is the safest thing to do so no one at SMA can complain that someone is distributing their materials without their permission?
Your question pertains specifically to the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA), an organization with the admirable goal of educating its members about building codes and discouraging arbitrary changes within them. It's crucial to recognize that hiding educational materials in members-only areas, while potentially enticing more memberships, can run counter to the primary objective of education.
The information that SMA holds can be immensely valuable not only to its members but also to the broader building code industry, encompassing building officials, inspectors, plans examiners, architects, and engineers—all of whom are active participants here in The Building Code Forum (TBCF).
This situation parallels the music industry's historical struggle, where record labels fiercely protected their songs from being used on social media, fearing copyright infringement. However, they later realized that such sharing could serve as free promotion for the songs they own. It underscores the evolving nature of our world, where industries often fail to grasp new opportunities until they view them from a different perspective.
Therefore, if the SMA were to initiate legal actions against TBCF, it would not only be detrimental to their own interests but also be seen as an ill-advised move within the broader building code industry. It would appear as if they were targeting the very individuals they aim to educate and collaborate with.
In light of the litigious world we live in, where the bigger picture can sometimes get lost in legal disputes, we reiterate the importance of refraining from posting anything on this forum that is protected by copyright and limited to a members-only area, even if it could be argued as falling under 'fair use.' We value the open exchange of knowledge here on TBCF and aim to maintain a respectful and legally compliant environment for all participants.
Thank you for your valuable input and dedication to our community's mission.
