Back in the day, here used to be some hilarious photoshop threads of Prince sponsored by moderators of the org. When I say photoshop threads, I'm talking about images of Prince which are manipulated for sake of parody.

But now I notice these are either deleted or locked post haste, while several photo threads of Prince remain in place. Barring the obvious bans of posting official Prince pictures, like those from his ill conceived and poorly executed vanity photo-book last year coupled with a lackluster live CD, there are still plenty of Prince photo threads which are permitted.

Using trademark pictures, so far as I know is not permitted, however, using parodies of the original are. In other words, posting a picture of the LoveSexy album cover may not be permitted, but posting a morphed, photoshop picture for sake of parody is protected speech. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody )

Even the Bush administration wasn't able to shut down sites parodying his administration, nor Harvard able to shut down NotHarvard.com ( http://www.uslaw.com/libr...rea_id=743 ).


I guess, what I want to know is why aren't photoshoped images of Prince permitted? Is it because of a legal reason I'm not understanding? Is it based out of respect towards Prince himself? Or is it is the mere fact that dealing with a Cease and Desist request is difficult on its own?
Or is it because lack of cooperation on an issue, which you may be protected against by law, still opens you up for additional scrutiny from the Prince camp thereby giving them more fuel to comb through the org looking for other things?


I'm honestly not taking a piss here. It depresses me that photoshop threads involving Prince are not allowed.
[Edited 1/28/09 20:10pm]

I think you'll find that answer is a combination of factors. I asked a mod who has dealt with this directly to look at this and respond.

Thanks!

It's a great question.

I too enjoy a good parody. I'm usually pleasantly surprised at the talent and humor displayed in these types of threads, and by our own orgers, no less!

But, as with all things, we do need to take a look at what we are, as a site, in the mix of things... in the big picture so to speak.

Ben dealt with a lot last year - what with WebSherrif and all that that entailed. Moreso than you know. He received letters of "cease and desist" that require the attention of legal counsel... and as you know, this is still a free site.

So, even though it's not a cool thing to deal with, fun things disappearing, it is less of something to deal with than the other potentially not so fun thing to deal with... u dig?

June7 said:

when u put it that way... i dig

Just checking in - other Mods can explain this far better then I

A combo of all of the above. Ultimately, it's Ben's decision.

And while I absolutely can't (and don't) speak for him, my impression is he'd like to allow as much free spech on here as possible where it concerns Prince keeping in mind what fight, if any, may be necessary to protect that. In other words, he’ll choose the battles carefully.

That's all I can really say.

I think "choosing battles wisely" is the best way to put it.

There is an idealistic way of looking at this, and there is a realistic way of looking at it. Idealistically, things should go one way. Realistically, things have to go another way. It's not to say that ideals are worthless...but there's a time and a place for everything.

So yeah...we have to choose our battles wisely. Nuff said.

I don't like the PS pictures and am glad they aren't allowed. they're usually meant to degrade, embarass and humiliate him for the sake of a cheap laugh.

It's a money deal. Prince has more money. He can spend Ben into bankruptcy if he starts a fight that Ben decides to join.

So the answer to your question is, yeah - parody is protected legally. That is settled law.

But Prince can sue Ben for anything he wants and unless Ben is willing to spend his own money, Prince will always win.

you all are the best in my book....
good luck in the coming days and weeks ahead

horatio said:

Dayclear said:

I agree.

Dayclear said:

yeah I guess the threads about Prince's ass, his women, his marriages and not to mention the caption threads are not meant to embarass him.

My last Prince photoshop thread got locked up pretty quickly. It sucks. It's no fun anymore.

Fauxie said:

Can you orgnote me the pics? i'd like to see what you did.

Sure.


Another thing, if it's Imago's head on Prince's body, who should be suing? Imago's prettier, for one thing.

Dayclear said:

[flame snip - CarrieMpls]

CarrieMpls said:

I looked up a few websites concerning the topic of far use/play, etc.
It seems it's a combo of the above EXCEPT legal reasons. There is no legal justification behind shutting down photoshop images used for parody.
So it boils down to Prince not having a sense of humor, and enough money to make life difficult for the org.

Dayclear said:

oh please. Earth calling Dayclear, come in Dayclear.

pplrain said:

Me too.

I wish i had the luvchunky one

Dayclear said:

Dayclear said:

You probably don't like Weird Al or Mel Brooks either, eh?

RodeoSchro said:

Which pretty much makes Prince now "the man".
Not as is in "THE" man, but rather, the establishment.

Did U ever think you'd see the day....????

I'm going to keep doing them. I just won't start Prince photoshop threads. You can remove them where you find them. It'll be like hunting for easter eggs.

LazarusHeart said:

Do U know The Ten Commandments?
(Bible - Exodus 20:2-17)

You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the
form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is
on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under
the earth.

I think he (Prince) confound something...



...
[u]
[Edited 2/3/09 1:22am]
[Edited 2/3/09 1:23am]
[Edited 2/3/09 1:23am]

Fauxie said:

Nice.

Boasting about how you're going to get prince.org in trouble with official sources - you must be so proud of your efforts.

Gav said:

YOU CANT SUPPRESS MY ART!!!!!

Gav said:

If you wanna cow tow to Prince then feel free, just don't expect everyone to suck his ass like some people do.

Fauxie said: