Copyright Issues for "How To..." Training?

[sferguson]

Can anyone point me in the right direction for additional info, resources or recon. regarding copyright issues surrounding the production and distribution of "How To..." training programs?

Corey's "Speedy Training" videos not only bowled me over with an avalanche of AMS information and tips, but it has also INSPIRED me to get going on a long-shelved project! (...in the words of John C. Mellencamp - some times a kick in the keaster "Hurts So Good")

I'm nearly finished with my training program outline for a niche market software product. So, I'm only a few steps away from launching into the actual production of the program, however I'd hate to end up with a great product only to get entagled in some kind of legal hoo-hah with company XYZ (the developer of the niche market software).

I realize I could contact the software developer, and ask them how'd they feel about teaming up on such a project, which would be a great scenario in a perfect world! However, I would feel much more comfortable getting a bit more up to speed on the various scenarios before contacting anyone at the company with matters of "corporate concerns".

It goes without saying, but I'm absolutely not trying to solicit any expert professional legal advice here - just trying to "think-out-loud" about the potential issues and how/where to find additional info and resources pertaining to the development and distribution of this type of product.

All comments, thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated...

[Corey]

Pretty much depends on whether you are using their logos and stuff. But even then, as long as you are careful to put the right trademark notices and copyright credits in with everything I think it's pretty much OK. The only problem you will ever run into is if the vendor seeks to hock their own training solutions and so therefore has a vested interest in quashing yours. But that's rare. For example if you come up with a CD that competes directly with my Speedy CDs I will be happy, not mad. To me co-operation on that level equals growth, which is good for everyone. I'm pretty sure that anyone who is smart enough to claw their way near the top of this industry in any way is probably smart enough to understand the value of synergy. Even Bill Gates, he didn't get anywhere alone.

Anyoo if you're doing stuff for a company who makes provisions to use their logos, etc. make sure to do the research and stick to the rules. It'll take you a mere half day to do so, at the most. Grab a coffee, crank up the tunes and just get it done. It's amazing how many people skip such small preparations and then find themselves singing the blues later on. They're all like, "I ain't been home to see my baby in 99 and one half days..." and so forth.

If the company offers certification like Macromedia or Adobe you may want to consider doing that first. For example I remember when I passed the Adobe Photoshop ACE exam they sent me a package which gave me permisssion to use their "expert" logo on my training materials, etc. So, that's worth looking into. It'll boost sales.

Bottom line, you gain nothing by not contacting them. Your very best strategy, by a longshot, is to give them a call. People are people whereever you go, and there's a lot to be accomplished with a friendly howdy-doo. And if, by some small chance, your product flops. Big deal, do it again. Do it better, do it twice, do it often. But *do not* get discouraged *no matter what*. Life is too short for bellyaching and country music... Waaaaaay too short, i.e. even if I lived to be 750 years old I probably still wouldn't get around to Reba Macintyre.

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[sferguson]

Your very best strategy, by a longshot, is to give them a call. People are people whereever you go, and there's a lot to be accomplished with a friendly howdy-doo.

Right-on! My thinking is along the lines of a.) create a professional product b.) contact the company regarding the actual product vs. "I have an idea for a product..." - because if I were in their shoes, I'd likely think - hmmm sounds interesting, why don't you call us back when you have something to actually show us

I'm mostly curious about any issues that might arise in the event that they were'nt enthusiastic about a "non-endorsed" product being available to the public.

I know first-hand that there is a valid market demand. Currently they only offer two forms of product training, users can either get hands-on training by traveling to the company's office on the west-coast, or users can pay to have a company rep do two or three day on-site training at the client's location. Either way, the training expense for users (and prospective users) runs into $1,200+ for getting up to speed on the software.

It stands to reason that the company is likely to grow their user base/software sales the more "demystified" the product becomes. So it's very likely they'd see it as a positive development. ...Unless they're more focused on revenues from training than actual product licensing - but stranger things have happened.

In any case, what I'm most curious about at this point is if I go the route of Camtasia, or an interactive series of screen-shots, what issues (if any) must be explored as a result of having created a product in which the visual content is based on the "like-ness" or recordings of the program's user interface, coupled with my instructional voice-overs and narrations?

[Corey]

I would use Camtasia...

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software