I created the template from the ground-up as a modular platform that can be modified to suit the client’s needs. I own the template copyright on the code level, but clients owns the copy that is customized for them. Having ownership, clients can duplicate the template as often as desired for other personal uses and host it where they want to. Clients also has FULL access to download the all of the site files to their own computer.
It IS his website. The copyright notice is only referencing the template design, not the content or images used in the template (which is customized to the client).
And because my clients own their copy of the template, they can also change the copyright notice if they desire. The notice shown above is the default text for the copyright line.
I can only pull hosting if the hosting fee is not paid, but because my clients own their sites, they can host it anywhere they want. I cannot “repossess” their sites once they take ownership regardless of where they choose to host them.
Some discussion on do I own my website at link below:
http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster-forum/threads/56767-Copyright-issues-do-i-own-my-website
Interesting conversation. Still, nothing they say negates the fact that if I tell my client in writing that they own the website that I create for them, using the template that I designed from scratch (meaning, I didn’t license it from somebody else to re-sell), and I grant my clients access to do whatever they want with their site (including duplicating it but not to resell MY work for their profit), then they in-fact, own their website.
Keep in mind that MANY inspectors are paying $300 to $500 per year to RENT websites from several vendors. Once those inspectors stop hosting with those particular vendors, they lose their websites. My business model is to allow you to move your website to any host so your money isn’t wasted, and you don’t always have to start over with a new website if you decide move it from our hosting.
To each his own.
My understanding from here is that your client own the contents but cannot modify its template and design unless you agree because you own it and have all rights reserved.
Personally, I like full control of my website and negotiated that part with my website designer prior to signing the agreement.
Nice site Jose!
Ah…I see what you are talking about now. But, YES, my client can modify the code. What the client CANNOT do is sell MY code, as-is, for a profit. Otherwise, they have free-reign to do with it what they desire.
It appears Jose owns his own domain name which is good: http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/results.jsp?domain=westsidehomeinspections.com
You should always maintain control of your domain name. Never let a developer register it in his/her name or transfer it to him/her.
I never purchase domain names for my clients. I always build on a domain they already own. If they don’t own one and have never had one, I show them how to purchase one, but I don’t do it for them. I also NEVER direct clients through any “affiliate” programs for domain or hosting (with other companies) purchases, thus, I don’t earn money on the side from those items.
Nathan,
The use of Jesus Christ to begin one of your tantrums is in poor taste.
I commonly see this used by losers with the little man syndrome .
Guess it makes them feel superior or bigger.
Wait…don’t people PAY YOU to use your products and services while dually placing your product trademarks on their website to “advertise” your products that they pay you to use? How about the InterNACHI logo? Don’t people pay InterNACHI to be members?
A trademark or copyright notice is not “advertising” as the notice does not blatantly read, “Like this website? If so, click here!”. Let’s not dismiss the importance and legality of ownership.
That being said, even I’m not so anal as to REQUIRE my clients to keep my copyright notice on their templates once they have ownership of it. They have 100% access to change it at any time, so my copyright notice is essentially a functional placeholder until they change it. If they don’t want to, then they don’t have to. At least it won’t be a generic placeholder like, “Copyright Notice (C) 2013 Your Name” for the world to see.
Anyway, this conversation is really a waste of mental energy for one reason and one reason only: If the client is happy with the terms of the developer’s requirements for the placement of copyright or trademark notices in the developer’s proprietary templates, then what’s the issue? Bottom line is if the client doesn’t care that the developer’s copyright notice is embedded in the site FOR THE RIGHT REASONS, then why should anyone else care? It is reasonable to assume that the developer and client already had this conversation.
Lastly, there are some things that a developer cannot give to a client even if the developer sells a copy of a template to a client. The developer may have licensed scripts/code or a set of images to use in the template, and that license might not be transferable. Maybe the license says the developer can use particular code in templates because that’s what the developer paid for, but the developer’s clients cannot turn around and sell templates with that code in it according to the same license.
Fact is, you don’t know this and really can’t make blanket statements that someone who places a copyright notice in a template they created is “advertising” himself.
Anyway, I hope you take that in the right way. No anger intended…just making points and having a discussion. Thanks.
[QUOTE=nthornberry;1130987I personally don’t like links to the web developer on my site unless they pay me for advertising. You won’t find that on the sites we create for inspectors, even if it is a template.[/QUOTE]
Hey, Nate, this is in your ISG website’s source code:
<!-- All in One SEO Pack 2.1.1 by Michael Torbert of Semper Fi Web Design[132,198] -->
I assume that WordPress legally requires that specific attributions and copyright notices are not removed from themes, plug-ins, style sheets, service packs, etc.
I would also assume that “Michael Torbet of Semper Fi Web Designs” isn’t blatantly advertising by letting people know that he designed the SEO pack for your WordPress site. Then again, maybe is. Do you really care that he does if his name is only found in the source code? Probably not.
And, VOILA! There’s the solution to everyone’s problems: SOURCE CODE EMBEDDED ATTRIBUTION
Yea!!! We’re all happy now.
– I’m tired and grumpy.
Just look at who owns the copyright.
Jose, you should have the domain name for your site registered in your own, or company name. And I would pay the web developer to make a site for me, not to rent from. Hopefully, that is what happened.
It is kind of like the difference between buying and renting a home.
Nice website. A tad too busy for my taste, but your website is ten times better than mine! : ) I am doing it myself, and it is incomplete.
Nathan,
It’s unfortunate that you would refer to the original poster (who uses your products) as an “unsuccessful minimum standard inspector” now your in hear to critique & comment on his website? You feed on the new guys & slam them too?
Say Your Sorry to Jose!