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DeweyintheHall · 03-03-2015, 01:03 PM

I'm fairly new to this wonderful community. I've read with interest the back-and-forth regarding posting protocols, TV watermarks, Topps' rights, etc.

On other forums, and in my own projects, I will occasionally use TV images that have been miraculously de-Watermarked.

However, I completely understand the position, best put forth by Merkle regarding the tenuous nature of our relationship with Topps. The contributions made by Merkle to this passion of ours are invaluable, and his knowledge of Topps' preferences is deep, so I consider it my obligation to abide by his interpretations (and those of our moderator!) regarding the use and posting of TV images here.

I completely understand the issues here and the arguments on all sides. But, when in Rome...

Having said all that, I'd be a bit more sympathetic to Topps' concerns in all this if their approach to essentially being the photographic curator of MLB history in the latter half of the 20th century was a bit less haphazard. It seems to me they can take a at least a couple employees away from figuring out how to cram the most images of Derek Jeter and Yasiel Puig into their current sets, coming up with another color border for another parallel set, and manufacturing faux relics, and assign them to archiving and cataloging, in a responsible and meaningful way, this vast historical trove, rather than simply shoveling out random assortments when they get the time. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that's what it feels like.

Anyway - I remain appreciative of the work that all of you do.

One question regarding Topps' rights - Let's say I buy a 1976 TV image of Duane Kuiper from their e-Bay store. That same image, watermarked, will remain in the TV mass releases in perpetuity. In that case, since I purchased the image, wouldn't I have the right to alter it and use it in any manner - regardless of the fact it remains on their release page with the WM? Similarly, if someone else bought it - the only possible issue would be with the purchaser, not with Topps, right? Just curious.

03-03-2015, 01:03 PM	#24712
DeweyintheHall All Star Reserve Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 777	The whole TOPPS thing I'm fairly new to this wonderful community. I've read with interest the back-and-forth regarding posting protocols, TV watermarks, Topps' rights, etc. On other forums, and in my own projects, I will occasionally use TV images that have been miraculously de-Watermarked. However, I completely understand the position, best put forth by Merkle regarding the tenuous nature of our relationship with Topps. The contributions made by Merkle to this passion of ours are invaluable, and his knowledge of Topps' preferences is deep, so I consider it my obligation to abide by his interpretations (and those of our moderator!) regarding the use and posting of TV images here. I completely understand the issues here and the arguments on all sides. But, when in Rome... Having said all that, I'd be a bit more sympathetic to Topps' concerns in all this if their approach to essentially being the photographic curator of MLB history in the latter half of the 20th century was a bit less haphazard. It seems to me they can take a at least a couple employees away from figuring out how to cram the most images of Derek Jeter and Yasiel Puig into their current sets, coming up with another color border for another parallel set, and manufacturing faux relics, and assign them to archiving and cataloging, in a responsible and meaningful way, this vast historical trove, rather than simply shoveling out random assortments when they get the time. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that's what it feels like. Anyway - I remain appreciative of the work that all of you do. One question regarding Topps' rights - Let's say I buy a 1976 TV image of Duane Kuiper from their e-Bay store. That same image, watermarked, will remain in the TV mass releases in perpetuity. In that case, since I purchased the image, wouldn't I have the right to alter it and use it in any manner - regardless of the fact it remains on their release page with the WM? Similarly, if someone else bought it - the only possible issue would be with the purchaser, not with Topps, right? Just curious.