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<history>
Since the last time I posted a story (more of a lurker typically) I've since been promoted (yay ¬_¬ ) to head of the Copy dept in [major office supply retail outlet].
Enter a whole new type of suck.
</history>
Ok, copyright infringement is a major issue, and a total minefield for people in my position. End result is, I'm over-cautious. If I think something is copyrighted, I won't touch it unless the customer signs a disclaimer that it's for private study/critical review. Even then, some things I won't touch.
Customer brings me a diary from the store. It's one of our own brand. I happen to know they these are supplied to us by a major diary manufacturer, whose products we also sell.
SC: *points to the year planner in the back of the diary* I want you to copy me four of these on A3 in black and white.
Me: Ok, I'll just have to check-
SC: Before you say anything, you've done it for me for the last three years.
Me: Ok, I understand that, but I have to check to see if they're covered by any copyrights.
*flip to the first page, all clear. flip to the back page, copyright [big diary company]*
Me: I'm sorry, this is actually copyrighted by the manufacturer.
SC: So?
Me: ...so I can't make copies of them, they're protected by copyright law.
SC: *Angrily* Well your colleagues have always done them before!
Me: Well, I don't know who's done them for you previously, but they would have been doing so illegally.
SC: So are you going to do them for me or not?
Me: *thinking, is he serious?* No, I could actually go to prison for it.
SC: I don't care about that!
Me:
Well, unfortunately, I do, so I'm not going to be able to copy those for you.
I mean seriously, you expect me to risk prison for you? Lemme think, do I care enough about you to risk a prison sentence, losing my job, and a criminal record, all for the sake of £1.04? HELL NO!
In the end I sold the guy some of our wall-planners... you know, those products specifically designed for the purpose you want to use them for?
Asshole.
Since the last time I posted a story (more of a lurker typically) I've since been promoted (yay ¬_¬ ) to head of the Copy dept in [major office supply retail outlet].
Enter a whole new type of suck.
</history>
Ok, copyright infringement is a major issue, and a total minefield for people in my position. End result is, I'm over-cautious. If I think something is copyrighted, I won't touch it unless the customer signs a disclaimer that it's for private study/critical review. Even then, some things I won't touch.
Customer brings me a diary from the store. It's one of our own brand. I happen to know they these are supplied to us by a major diary manufacturer, whose products we also sell.
SC: *points to the year planner in the back of the diary* I want you to copy me four of these on A3 in black and white.
Me: Ok, I'll just have to check-
SC: Before you say anything, you've done it for me for the last three years.
Me: Ok, I understand that, but I have to check to see if they're covered by any copyrights.
*flip to the first page, all clear. flip to the back page, copyright [big diary company]*
Me: I'm sorry, this is actually copyrighted by the manufacturer.
SC: So?
Me: ...so I can't make copies of them, they're protected by copyright law.
SC: *Angrily* Well your colleagues have always done them before!
Me: Well, I don't know who's done them for you previously, but they would have been doing so illegally.
SC: So are you going to do them for me or not?
Me: *thinking, is he serious?* No, I could actually go to prison for it.
SC: I don't care about that!
Me:
Well, unfortunately, I do, so I'm not going to be able to copy those for you.I mean seriously, you expect me to risk prison for you? Lemme think, do I care enough about you to risk a prison sentence, losing my job, and a criminal record, all for the sake of £1.04? HELL NO!
In the end I sold the guy some of our wall-planners... you know, those products specifically designed for the purpose you want to use them for?
Asshole.
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