Tom Curtin wrote:
4. I regret being critical of others on this form, but I have to say the following because I'm irritated: please, please refrain from the righteous indignation diatribes, i.e., "It's the law!!!" I must ask, "if you're not pro-model railroader what the heck are doing on this forum?
Gee that sounds like you're saying "your with us or your against us".
I'm not saying that at all Tom Curtin, You take my comments out of context if you had read and comprehended my earlier post, I dont like it either. Make no mistake, I am a railfan, but I have my common sense hat on as well.
I am tired of the infantile *itching and whining about this issue. So what, pay the extra 5 bucks a roadname or start your own freelance roadname. Buy your own paint, imaging software and decals and paint and decal your own locomotives if $5 bucks is going to kill you.
Sure UP is a billion dollar mega company and might not be likeable, but you have to look at the larger picture.
If you don't like the law then petition your elected officials to do away with trademark and copyright law. (you wont be able to) Then I can produce Tom Curtin brand products and not pay you a dime for using your name or picture.
I think many people opposed and frightened by this issue just might be those guys I've seen selling plexiglass railroad signs, mugs, hats, T-shirts, etc. All at a pretty nice profit.
If you dont like paying more for licensed products, write a letter to whoemever is charging more for a roadname and ask why? Also ask them if they'll absorb the cost? Odds are they wont because its all about money and profits.
I wonder if Microsoft wanted to produce a Lionel train game and didn't pay licensing fees if a lot of opinions would change?
Other than that relax, Athearn and Lionel aren't going anywhere and your favorite products will continue to be produced.
UP isn't saying they dont want any prodcuts produced, just a say on what products their corporate image appears on, and to be fairly compensated.