France Gives Tax Breaks To Culturally Relevant Video Games

Bank, Credit Card Company Say Not To Worry About Identity Theft

NFL Wants To Remind You That Having People Over To Watch The Super Bowl On A Big Screen Is Copyright Infringement

from the laws-written-by-lobbyists dept

Fri, Feb 2nd 2007 1:24am — Mike Masnick

What is it with sports leagues and their desire to limit how their fans can enjoy the game? There's Major League Baseball, who keeps trying to insist that they own the facts related to a game, and no one can use them without paying MLB first. Then, there's the NFL, who freaked out about TiVo and also tried to ban any broadcasters from using "unauthorized" video feeds to show what happens in the stadium (i.e., no sideline cameras any more). They've been particularly fussy about the Super Bowl, however, forcing advertisers to call it "the Big Game" or whatever, claiming excessive control over the trademark (remember, trademarks are really designed to prevent consumer confusion, not to give holders full control over the mark).

The latest situation is perhaps even more bizarre -- but tragically, seems to fall closer to a correct legal reading of a really poorly written law. The NFL apparently nastygrammed a church for planning to host a Super Bowl party. The original complaint was first that the church was charging people, but also that they used the term "Super Bowl" (as if people would somehow believe that the church was associated with the NFL?). After the church agreed to let people in for free and not use the term, the NFL continued to complain, saying that showing the Super Bowl on a screen larger than 55 inches represents copyright infringement. While we, at first, doubted the reality of this, Ben Austro sent in the fact that it is, indeed, spelled out in copyright law that once you get above 55", you may be talking about a "public performance," though, as Ben notes, the wording sounds like it was clearly written by a lobbyist. No matter what the law states, this seems ridiculously short-sighted by the NFL. It's hard to see how they lose out in any meaningful way by not allowing groups to watch the Super Bowl together. Of course, now that this particular quirk of copyright law is getting some attention, how long will it be until the MPAA starts cracking down on those of you with really big screen TVs from showing movies in your home theaters. What was a joke just a few months ago, may become real.

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MadJo (profile), 2 Feb 2007 @ 2:41am

sad :(
Next thing you know, even talking about "The Big Game" could result in a lawsuit, because that's copyright infringement.

Or just watching it with some friends/family is a copyright infringement, because you only have a license to watch it by one person.

I understand that companies and individuals want to get paid for their copyright, but this is getting ridiculous. Don't try to assert control over something you simply can't control.
A church that tries to create a community feeling by offering this service should not be illegal.
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Spartacus, 2 Feb 2007 @ 2:54am

of course a church
Is it just me is do these kinds of things tend to be targeted at conservative Christians? I will not get into a debate about "Conservative Right ruining the world and causing children in Cambodia to have potatoes growing out of their heads while giving lots of money to the CEO of Enron" but it does seem like this is not uncommon when a conservative Christian group is involved.

From TFA "It just frustrates me that most of the places where crowds are going to gather to watch this game are going to be places that are filled with alcohol and other things that are inappropriate for children," Newland said. "We tried to provide an alternative to that and were shut down."

Am I the only one who is frustrated by the fact that the NFL is ok with Sports Bars showing the Big Game on the wall using a projector but forbidding a Church from doing the same thing?

The money they make is in advertising and letting people watch it at the church IS NOT going to decrease people who see the advertisements.

This strikes me as not a business decision but rather a decision based on prejudice against Christians. Kind of ironic that the group of people most often assumed to be prejudiced against the world are being prejudiced against.
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la bête, 2 Feb 2007 @ 3:16am

The sports bar would have been paying a fee to show it commercially, the church wasn't. A church is a commercial organisation just like a bar and should pay the same way. Just because it is peddling a particular meme rather than booze shouldn't make it immune.
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The Original Just Me, 2 Feb 2007 @ 3:23am

Makes me want
To set up a lawn chair outside and project the damn game on the side of my house. An unfortunate consequence of this is that anyone driving by will be able to see it, so sorry NFL. The only thing stopping me is that it is expected to be -2 (with wind chill) on Sunday.

Maybe I just won't watch the game at all, then I won't be counted by Nielson either.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 3:30am

Re: of course a church
Yes! It is just you.. Oooh, us poor christians are being persecuted again. Not that you christians don't deliberately try to impose your own medieval dogma and beliefs upon millions of Americans. And you call it religious freedom. Go ahead, believe in an invisible man in the sky. Why don't you just blame Satan instead of the NFL?
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Yo ho ho..., 2 Feb 2007 @ 3:35am

Pathetic
It is bad enough that it is two wholly unappealing / mediocre teams playing this Sunday...

... but for the NFL to go out of its way to single out a community gathering spot where most of those who would go there to watch the game were probably going to watch Simpsons at home instead....

This is really pathetic!

I only wish that this was a bigger story so that the NFL could be nationally embarassed for this action.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:00am

Give it up, Spartacus
While the NFL's actions are ridiculous, your trying to turn it into some martrydom case against conservative Christians is even more ridiculous. Take it to Rush Limbaugh or Bill O'Reilly, where they're likely to lend credence to such groundless speculation.
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Scott, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:04am

Great way to treat the fans!
They've also shut a church SuperBowl Party down here in Indianapolis because it was copyright infringment.

It is very sad how they treat the fans. I, for one, won't be watching the game now.
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Adam, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:17am

Don't watch their stuff, don't buy their stuff, this goes for NFL, **AA and all other greedy bastards. If more and more people embrace this simple logic it may yield results in long term. People need to break their addiction from media or it will lead to total corporate slavery.

A.
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RedMatrix, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:18am

Superwhat?

Aren't they already making boat loads of money for the advertising spots? Wouldn't they want more people to watch them? Aren't the short changing the advertisers?
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The Bear, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:20am

Progressive
Okay, next it will be adding up the inches on all of your TV screens, then they will sue your block, next the city, next the state, iiiiiieeeeeeee, here comes the NFL!! run for your lives they want your women!!
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Dodger, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:21am

Wow
Another reason to hate this already overblown sport.

It's sad to see how many people try to 'live' football in America. The sport isn't really entertaining to watch and it's not fun to play (nowhere near as fun as rugby for example). And I'm sure that last statement will bring out at least one typical football fan that seems to hate everything from every other country when they are talking football, even though I'm sure the TV they watch it on was made in China...

But hey, it's "tradition", and that's all this country seems to have to be proud of. Now it's just come down to this corporation (That is what it is, there is no sport anymore) that would rather force people to... what? Buy smaller TVs? Does a projector count since it's not really a TV, but just a means for displaying an image? What is a TV, the receiver or the display or both?

Screw it, think I'll Tivo THE BIG GAME and put it on torrent immediately after it's over. As for now, I'm gunna go stick my finger down my throat while I think about what this country is becoming.
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junglejim0745, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:26am

The Big Game
Well, this is yet another example of The New Way Forward in our country, we soon will be only haves and have nots, all the inbetweeners will be gone.

Personally I have never watched a SuperBowl game and never will. I care nothing about sports of anykind on TV, nor will I go to a stadium and spend exorbinate amounts of money to watch big business in action. I am 61 and have no idea how long there has been a Superbowl, but I have missed them all and do not consider myself hurt in anyway for having done so.

Our country is getting just like the Roman Empire right before its collapse, as long as people can watch sports on tv on the weekend and swill beer or other beverage, no one cares what is happening around them. There really are ways to have a well rounded life without ignoring ones family and spending every waking offtime minute watching sports, hunting or fishing. Nothing is done in moderation any more, it is either wholehog or nothing. I know many will call me names for this post, but I enjoy life to the fullest and it does not include contributing to the decay and decline of this country by idolizing sports and sports so called (celebrities), many of whom are drug ridden addicts and should not be looked up to by anyone, especially our children.

This is just another tactic to control the population and generate more and more money for big business.
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Uncle Deercamp, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:30am

The Big Lame
Screw the NFL. I'm watching Puppy Bowl III.
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JohnTuscon, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:32am

Re: The Big Game
I'll sencond that entire comment, except I'm not that age (yet).

Sports are great if you actually play them, you know, for FUN and EXERCISE, but once people start dropping everything for WATCHING sports, such as showing up to work late and ignoring your kids while you try to watch the ever-important pass attempt, it's at that point that the society that participates in such activities has hit a new low.

Lets not even start talking about the riots of citizens that happen after their own team has won the game...
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Kidding Me!, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:53am

A fan and still disgusted.
Unlike a lot here I'm a BIG fan of Football. But come on, this is just pure greed and stupidity by the NFL. I guess they will start alienating their fans like others sports and start to watch their viewer base drop! Would serve them right, looks like they've gotten to the point they feel they don't need fans! I mean they DID create football, right? (Sarcasm there)
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MEoip, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:56am

2 questoins and 3 comments
q1) If as a the pastor of church I'm not but let's pretend) I start showing football and other sports games on Sunday afternoon/evening then I would seemly fall into the portion of the law which exempts bars and other establishments that regularly show games. So if I hook my projector up each Sunday and show the game in my churches multi purpose room then I can show the super bowl (it is 2 words) on Super bowl Sunday, right?

q2) Can I use the word Superbowl as one word (much of the media does) or is it also copyrighted?

c1) You must have
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Stinky Jones, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:58am

Re: Re: The Big Game
Haha... well, you people realize that you don't have to be a family-neglecting, alcoholic, sports fanatic to enjoy watching "the big game", right?
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BHD, 2 Feb 2007 @ 4:59am

Justifying their jobs?
Could this be an instance of some employees having to justify their jobs, like politicians, by taking some sort of action(s) to prevent copyright infringement, or at least appear to be battling it? That way those employees and their leadership can show that they're working hard for the company.

The reason I bring up this possibility is that it seems like this happens a lot in business, politics, and elsewhere. People seem to focus on the benefits of one thing, in this case "proving their worth" to the company, and they lose focus of any ramifications it may have.
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Stinky Jones, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:00am

Re: 2 questoins and 3 comments
And you are just drunk.
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Richard Ahlquist, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:01am

Where is
Where is one of them LED Finger dudes in boston when you need one to send the NFL....
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:11am

Fuck them all. I'd like to see someone try to stop me from showing anything I like to all my friends on my projector. My screen is over 10ft. and I have no plans to stop the parties!
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Nasty Old Geezer, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:22am

Stupor Bowl
I do enjoy watching sports, but only casually. Anyone who doesn't enjoy that activity, well, I wish you health and wealth to enjoy other things.

The NFL takes itself far too seriously, and this year I may well forget the whole thing. (The really GOOD footbal games are in the playoffs anyway.)
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:24am

Re: off topic reply to Spartcacus
Christians complain of being persecuted although they make up 80% of the population, control the Presidency, (until recently) had both branches of Congress and the Supreme Court - and they have the unmitigated gall to complain about being persecuted.
When leaders make their followers believe they are being treated badly, they are employing one of the oldest tricks in history to keep the sheep in line.
As Hitler's propaganda minister Goebbels said - and proved, people swallow big lies more readily than small ones.

Sorry for going off topic but Spartcacus asked for it.
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artist, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:33am

What is really the truth
Ok.
the Super Bowl is the property of the NFL.
The NFL has copyright to it.
Copyright law says that they do have the right to control public viewing.
Where this is getting blown out of proportion is with home viewers.
You can have a Super Bowl party at your house and use a project to view it at any size you want, and as long as you do not charge people, you are fine.
Your house is not considered Public viewing.
A church is considered Public, as are bars and clubs, sports houses etc.
In order for a public place to broadcast the Super Bowl, they have to pay a licensing fee to the NFL.
In the grand scheme of things (despite what fans thinks) it is good business for the NFL to enforce this policy across the board.
They are being paid by advertisers not for viewers, but for viewings.
150 people viewing one broadcast counts as one viewer for advertising purposes (since there is no way to determine how many people are actually watching the screen)
If they did not enforce this, then everyone with any place of business and half a brain would have the game on. The NFL would lose a ton of money because viewership would be down (even though the number of viewers would probably be the same)

As an artist, I love copyright law because it protects my work.
I have chosen to enforce my copyright on big companies, but not on little people because my art work does not constitute my livelihood.
If I lived solely off my artwork, I would enforce my copyright to the fullest extend possible.

As for using the term Super Bowl.
Super Bowl is a trade mark of the NFL.
for a long time, everyone and their uncle was using the term in advertising.
There were Super Bowl sales at electronics stores. (now it is "Watch the Big Game on the Big Screen")
Why should anyone get a freebie from the NFL to promote their business?
What are they giving to the NFL?
Newspapers use "Super Bowl" in their prints, but NOT in ads.
My morning paper had a section called "Super Bowl Weekend" but the front page that pointed to it said "Everything you need to know about the Big Game inside"
That is the difference between Trade Mark violation and Trade Mark usage

You can use the term Q-tips to describe cotton swabs, But you can not use the term Q-tips to advertise a product (and you must mention the trade mark owner in you use them in a comparison of items, or when used to described cotton swabs in something like an article.
i.e. "Use a Q-tip to clean your keyboard" - Q-tip is a registered trademark of Johnson and Johnson.....

Just because people view this Church as a little person, does not give them the right to infring on the NFLs copyright.....
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MDAG, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:34am

Bad call on this play
I read about this church's situation yesterday and felt the NFL was wrong in there decision. From what I understand the church only wanted to provide a place for families to get together and watch the game without the bar atmosphere. However the NFL feels that this would cause them to lose money or something, so screw it! I don't live in Indianapolis or Chicago so I don't really care much about this game. I really would only be watching for the commercial and possible the half-time show. So I won't watch the "big game" this year because of the NLF lame take on this situation.
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John, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:35am

???
You gotta be kidding. So in other words all large screens should not be displaying the Super Bowl. I wonder how advertisers are going to react next year when they realize that less people will be watching because they're not allowed to view it in public.

This is just plain stupid, I think I'm not even going to watch the game this time, I could care less about either teams...I'm going to spend quality time with my family and play with the free software I jsut got off of Giveawayoftheday.com
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Sanguine Dream, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:36am

Oh really...
Sounds like the NFL is jealous that most people watch the game for the ads and half time show now. For the most part only fans of the two teams care about the game itself.

And frankly unless the NFL is going to subpeona the cable/satellite/tv bills of everyone in world I really don't see how they can tell who is "infringing". And even if they do manage to get that info how can they tell who is using a tv of 55".
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hoeppner, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:38am

after showing it so a family member, they suggested ratings.
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thinlizzy151, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:43am

Re: The Big Game
RE: junglejimo745 - Could not agree with you more. It's sad that sports have been taken over by big business, just like the arts. Both are something that really add to life - something the ancient Greeks understood fully. I guess it is up to people to take it back. Support amateur sports, the level a play might be as great, but it's a lot more pure. People playing for the sheer love of the game. That is what it should be about. You might even think about playing yourself. Just a thought
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haywood, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:52am

Re: The Big Lame
I'm delighted at their stupidly. Perhaps this will be the start of football taking its rightful place, right behind root canals.
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Screw Football, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:53am

Super Dooper Bowl
Happy to say I won't be watching the superbowl this year.
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Shemnon, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:58am

Re: by la bête on Feb 2nd, 2007 @ 3:16am
Having worked as a installer and as a tech support rep for cable and sattalite companies i can tell you that actually bars would not be paying any royalty to the NFL.

At most they pay a cable bill. And if its a sports game its going to be on a local network channel anyhow (which they could get for free off the air, although the picture may not be as good.)

The local networks do not get royalty fees from end users. they gain their profits from advertising dollars.

For specialty events such as PPV fights or boxing on HBO a bar simply pays a fee for the service. again no royalty directly paid. It is the network that shows the content that pays the licencing franchise for the privilege to air the shows.

Specialty stations recoup this cost by a subscription based service such as premium movie channels and PPV events.
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Bob 3000, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:59am

I'll make it a point to use "The Big Game" for playoff NHL games, I'll use it all over the web. I'll wait for the C&D letter then post it online.
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MCP3521, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:02am

Wake UP NFL !!!
So according to this article, every sports bar in the country is violating this 55" rule then right? All the NFL is getting ready to do is shoot themselves in the foot.

The LCD/Plasma makers should be telling the NFL to shut it's pie hole. Hard core football fans only buy the bigger TV's JUST to watch the "Big Game". If they continue to get stupid over this rule, people will just stop buying the larger boxes which will hurt everyone involved.

It's bad enough that when I was younger you could go see a NFL game for $10 per seat.(back in the 80's) Now it's $50 for the noise bleed sections, and now they pull stuff like this? insane.....
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Vincent Clement, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:05am

Hmmmm...
I'm not sure how the church could be infringing on copyright when nothing has been shown on the their big screen TV yet. Does the NFL employ precogs that see the future?
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Nasty Old Geezer, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:09am

Maybe legal
THe NFL may be on solid legal grounds, but that does not mean they are doing a wise thing. For many years churches wil Sunday evening services had tried to set up competing events. THere has been a recent wave of acquiesence that many people want to watch the game so the churches were using their media equipment to host "Big Game" parties.

The NFL should have done a demographic/economic analysis first -- I believe they would have found a real benefit from the church events. Rather than sending threats, they should allow any church to receive a no-cost license to show NFL games (but not to record, rebroadcast, etc.)

It would be easy enough to verify, just request the organization's tax-exemption number and address, with information about the number of screens, screen size, number of attendees, etc. Pure gold and good will for the NFL.
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Wolfger, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:13am

Super Blow
The subject says it all...
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YouKnowNothing, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:16am

Re: of course a church
Man, this has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever read here on Techdirt. This even surpasses dorpus-speak.

Who the fuck cares what religion these people are. I'm certain that when it comes to "protecting their content and trademarks", the NFL thinks we're all heathens and deserve to be burned at the steak until dead for the mere unauthorized utterance of the words "Super" and "Bowl" used together, and the nanosecond glimpse of "the Big Game" on anyone's (larger than 55-inch) TV screen without paying for it first.

Conservative Christians are the *LAST* group in the world that should be complaining about prejudice, seeing as how *anyone*, *anywhere* who doesn't believe exactly what you do is going to be damned to a firey death in Hell for all Eternity.
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Bah, football, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:18am

Laws gone wild.
Artist, although your comments about protecting your revenue are correct, I don't see how it applies. Yes they get revenue from ads, but you can't tell me that "Big Brother" can tell if 30 families are sitting at home watching versus 30 families at the church watching one feed. If they were Nielson families maybe, but all those numbers you hear about viewerships are made up guesstimates... besides, what difference would a handfull of churches make versuses the entire viewership of the world? It's .000000001% - maybe.
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ScaredtowatchTV, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:19am

This is why I do not watch sports.
I am afraid that the big bad NFL and other companies will come and arrest me because I have a 136" projector screen. Why does everyone let them get by with this crap. I thought this was labled as a free country. Our country needs a revolution BADLY!!!
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Jon, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:22am

Who cares
They make enough money, both Church and NFL. They deserve eachother.

P.S - Ill be watching the game on a 55" HD TV - SUCK MY A$$ NFL - Isnt this America?
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You never Know, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:25am

It boils down to “Protect the industry” if there is money in suing the fan and limiting the enjoyment in order to make a few more bucks, then you can bet some one is going to do it. The biggest problem is they know even is they loose a few fans there are more than enough to make up for it. And with such a fan base there is lots of opportunity for money making law suits. Now if any one wants to pick up the ball and try to defend the “cause” lets review the subject. The term “Super Bowl” was and is an advertising medium to act as an invitation to watch the game. It was intended to be used to signify the last game of the best teams of the year. So the industry can afford to present his game to the “Public” it features advertisements for products and services who pay for the privilege of presenting their wears, if you will, to the most people they can. To try to reek more profit by limiting the amount of viewers and control the usage of their advertising seems awfully counterproductive to me, but there is short term high profits to be made by doing so. This is their only reason for trying to bottle up the advertisement and terminology used by the NFL , MLB, and any other entity who are willing to prosecute their supporters. Their attitude is the same as that of the RIAA and the MPAA, the “Fan” is nothing more than a peace of trash to be exploited and tossed aside. If you can prove me wrong, please do so!
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Robert Lawrence, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:35am

The big game
If the NFL gets upset about that, what will they think about this? Recording your own audio? Is that legal?

www.buttercast.com
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BinaryWorld, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:39am

Re: Makes me want
That's exactly what I want to do. But we're expected to reach that -2 mark also so it will be too cold. My TV (or projection), my house. If anyone happens to catch a glimpse while I'm enjoying a game that I'm paying my cable company for, then that's not my problem.
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John, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:41am

Let's all advertise that we are having large Super
Hey, let all advertise that we are having a Super Bowl Party and inviting all of our friends and we have 70 inch TVs. Let's see how many lawyers the NFL can hire to come after us all. Once we all show up in court then this country will realize how stupid the NFL and other are for forcing us to fit into their stupid little single tv, single viewer Nielsen Ratings counts.
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Mark, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:42am

Why it happened
The real reason this NFL copyright thing happened? Stores were the biggest problem. They used the SuperBowl and NFL logos to advertise products and sales to make a profit. The NFL did not recieve any of that profit. Bars were the same way, they all threw big Superbowl parties. Advertised the party using NFL and SuperBowl logos to make a profit without paying the NFL. That is where the ruling came from. The problem is, Lawyers got involved and took it to the extreme. Non-profit organizations that want to hold something can get around those lawyers by advertising it as a gathering to watch the event for. They can ask for donations to defay the costs for holding the event, but cannot charge admission. Believe it or not, if a church were to charge members to watch a movie (DVD) on the bigscreen, it would be the same copyright infringement.
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Pandlcg, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:45am

Exceptions
Didnt read all the comments so i'm not sure if it has been mentioned, but exceptions are made by the NFL for businesses that rely on showing sporting events on tv year round for revenue. So bars are not targeted.

SI had an article on it yesterday.
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Sidney, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:47am

Re: Progressive
THey don't want your women- they want your daughters and first born as a sacrifice to the NFL GOD.

Down through the years I have watched very few Super Bowls.
I have never watched one with New England in it and never will. That my friend is what you call NFL fixing team.

In fact the last Super Bowl I watched was with Paul McCartney at halftime- and it was the only thing entertaining in the whole game anyway.

Solock up the kiddies they are coming.....
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safusa, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:56am

55 inch
If the copyright law has a limit of 55 inches, then anybody that owns a tv large than that is breaking the law. So how they the TV companies sell the TV's knowing they are breaking the law.

They seem to want to have it both ways, push the HD TV, big screen, but also limit the number of people that want to view it.

Once the church decided not to charge, and to take the "super bowl" out, they should be able to allow people to watch it, if they allow people at home to watch it on tv's bigger than 55 inches.

Just another way for them to promote the game, more hype.
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Sanguine Dream, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:00am

I know!
The NFL figures it can make more out of a person on a single lawuit than they will from the loyalty that person had to their favorite team (and league). So in short the NFL thinks:

$$$ of one lawsuit > $$$ from X years of team loyalty
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JN, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:01am

Re:
A church is not a commercial orgainization like a bar. Churches are non-profit organizations that typically provides alternatives to bars for events like the Superbowl that famiies can attend.
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pandlcg, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:03am

Re: 55 inch
The Law is for "out of home" viewing, and like i mentioned has cut out an exception for bars. So 55 inches or bigger is not illegal in either of those two circumstances. Even a church can own as long as it isnt showing the superbowl to a massive audience.
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Vincent Clement, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:04am

Re: What is really the truth
A church is considered Public, as are bars and clubs, sports houses etc.

Says who? Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 110 does not define a church, bar or club as public. In fact, there is no mention that because a place is publicly accessible that you are required to obtain approval of the copyright holder?

What are they giving to the NFL?

Um, I don't know, free advertising? Making the event much bigger than it is? Making it the so-called 'premier' sporting event of the year? Spreading buzz about the big game? Creating interest in the big game? Creating goodwill? I could go on and on.
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Vincent Clement, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:10am

Re: Why it happened
Don't confuse copyright with trademark. Mike, perhaps it is time for refresher on Patents, Copyrights and Trademark?

The NFL did receive plenty of free advertising when stores used the Super Bowl and NFL logos. This advertising made the game even bigger and more important that it was 10 or so years ago. But like every business that is based on an outdated model, they just want to squeeze every last penny, regardless of the negative impact.
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George from NY, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:13am

Big Brother - NWO
The NFL just needs more viewers - more TV's = more ratings. Politicians looking for extra money is also part of this. All those home electronic shops will benefit from folks buying more TV's due to this law. One of many laws that are Stupid, but can be used against you.

Freedom continues to be taken away people -
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Vincent Clement, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:14am

Re: Laws gone wild.
Besides, I am pretty sure that when the NFL and the TV networks sell advertising spots and space to companies, they use an estimate of total viewership that includes anyone watching the game, regardless if their viewing is an infringement or not of copyright.
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seti, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:27am

Alternative...
I wonder how much these sports agency put into the alternative of such restrictions, with that being...NOT WATCHING!

There are dedicated fans of sports (football, baseball, soccer, etc...), but at what point do fans decide that being sued for watching a game on their 60" screen is more than they are willing to tolerate. No one loses in these home get together's to watch these games. With the food, drink, NFL merchandise (jersey's or other team spirit clothing), and so on that is present...these organizations aren't losing anything...it's a win all for most.

It is truly insane the direction that sports is taking...the greed and control is amazing.
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Tommy 2face, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:27am

Re: What is really the truth
The statutory enactments contained in the Copyright Act of 1976 wasn't created for such hipocracy and unjust practices. It wasn't developed to prevent consumers to envelop in the envoy of the product. It wasn't until the Record Rental Amendment of 1984 that copyright law took its real turn to help produce profit for big business. Here is the some law about distribution media: If you look I may be in violation because of the audio and video system I have. I have a 10,000 sq ft house why shouldn't I be able to enjoy the luxury of a tv larger than 55" This is outdated and needs to be changed

communication by an establishment of a transmission or retransmission
embodying a performance or display of a nondramatic musical
work intended to be received by the general public, originated by a radio
or television broadcast station licensed as such by the Federal Communications
Commission, or, if an audiovisual transmission, by a cable system
or satellite carrier, if—
(i) in the case of an establishment other than a food service or drinking
establishment, either the establishment in which the communication
occurs has less than 2,000 gross square feet of space (excluding space used
for customer parking and for no other purpose), or the establishment
in which the communication occurs has 2,000 or more gross square feet
of space (excluding space used for customer parking and for no other
purpose) and—
(I) if the performance is by audio means only, the performance is
communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers,
of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or
adjoining outdoor space; or
(II) if the performance or display is by audiovisual means, any visual
portion of the performance or display is communicated by means
of a total of not more than 4 audiovisual devices, of which not more
than 1 audiovisual device is located in any 1 room, and no such audiovisual
device has a diagonal screen size greater than 55 inches, and any
audio portion of the performance or display is communicated by means
of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers, of which not more than 4
loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or adjoining outdoor space;
(ii) in the case of a food service or drinking establishment, either the
establishment in which the communication occurs has less than 3,750
gross square feet of space (excluding space used for customer parking and
for no other purpose), or the establishment in which the communication
occurs has 3,750 gross square feet of space or more (excluding space
used for customer parking and for no other purpose) and—
(I) if the performance is by audio means only, the performance is
communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers,
of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or
adjoining outdoor space; or
(II) if the performance or display is by audiovisual means, any
visual portion of the performance or display is communicated by
means of a total of not more than 4 audiovisual devices, of which
not more than 1 audiovisual device is located in any 1 room, and
no such audiovisual device has a diagonal screen size greater than
55 inches, and any audio portion of the performance or display is communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers,
of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1
room or adjoining outdoor space;
(iii) no direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission or retransmission;
(iv) the transmission or retransmission is not further transmitted beyond
the establishment where it is received; and
(v) the transmission or retransmission is licensed by the copyright
owner of the work so publicly performed or displayed;
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JohnnyZTS, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:28am

Re: Greedy
If your not making money off it nobody should care.
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Mick, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:37am

NFL Players and Home Theaters
I wonder if the NFL is going to send nasty grams to any of their own players - who are watching the game in the home theater rooms with giant projector screens and hosting parties?

My question is when a church group or the ACLU will sue the league for choosing to go after this church and not players or other establishments violating this agreement.
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Michael, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:38am

What is this "super bowl" of which you speak?
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Tin Ear, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:41am

Hmmm, Use a projector...
There once was a poor tailor in old Chinatown. Every day he would take his meager lunch of rice and sit on his front step so he could smell the scents coming from the popular restaurant next door while he ate. This went on for quite a while, until the restaurant owner found out what he was doing and sent him a bill for 'enjoying his food'. The tailor asked one of his customers, a judge, what he should do. The next day, the tailor went into the restaurant next door carrying his cash box. He went up to the restaurant owner and shook the box loudly, stating "For the scents of your food, I pay you the sound of my money. Mark me 'paid in full'."

If the NFL is going to be piddling about the size of the screen you watch the game on, use a projector! The screen is less than 2 inches square. The projection is only a reflection of the actual display. Can they charge you for standing outside the stadium and listening? No, that is incidental to the game. A reflection on the wall, of any size, should be the same. It is incidental to the actual display... Of course, this is just the sort of technicality that the lawyers drool over.
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Overcast, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:42am

Fine, I'll skip going to my friends house to watch the game.
I won't be watching it at home either. I don't think I've ever watched the super bowl sitting at the house by myself, I always watch with friends.

Good news for 'copyright' - bad news for 'advertising'.

OMG HOW STUPID CAN THEY GET!!!! LOL

One can only pray they have lower ratings this year than any other.

Oh well, I can take it or leave it, no big deal at all.
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grapeshot, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:45am

Clarification
The NFL is not making their money via advertising costs. The NETWORK that is broadcasting the game is making money from the advertising. The NFL has already made its money from the licensing fee that the NETWORK paid to it in order to be able to broadcast the game. (Unless, that is, if the NFL and the NETWORK have signed an agreement to share the advertising revenue.)

Unfortunately, it is nonetheless true that the content of the broadcast belongs to the NFL. And yes, showing the broadcast to a large number of people, even if nothing is charged for it, and even if it is in a private home, is technically a violation of the copyright. At a PUBLIC venue, such as a bar or a church, it's definitely copyright infringement, and isn't covered by "fair use". Fair use is limited to showing something in your home, and to a limited amount of people. (I'm not sure what that limit is. 15 or 20 people, I think.)

It is doubly unfortunate that the NFL has chosen to go after only churches, and not bars, which also routinely have Superbowl parties. It is certainly not good PR, and if the NFL goes too far in this direction, it will only decrease their goodwill in the eye of the public, and could have deeper repercussions as well.
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a, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:56am

This is actually a brilliant move by the NFL. Make sure that a church group can't bring in a bunch of people to watch the game. Absolutely brilliant. Why do you ask is that brilliant?

Chances are, those folks who were going to their church to watch the game got pissed off, and promised to not watch the game. Other church goers from around the country probably didn't like the publicity, and will boycott the game. Considering the commercials that will run and the halftime show, you think maybe its not a bad idea to have a bunch of bible thumpers watching the game? Hell, the church probably had some emails already drawn up protesting the ads or the halftime show, all ready for their congregation to send off to the FCC.

I like the NFL's stance. You don't like nipples? Then to hell with you and damm the profits. You want to offer a nice, alcohol free place to watch our game? Screw you. Go to a bar. I bet if the church had advertised that their would be strippers at halftime, the NFL wouldn't have given them a hard time. Football isn't for wimps, and the west wasn't won on a salad.
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Geoff, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:10am

Churches
I have finally figured this one out. The NFL is going after the churches because they are fearful that Prince is going to have a wardrobe malfunction at halftime (are we allowed to call it halftime or do they own that one too?) and the NFL does not want to have to deeal with the Moral Majority coming after them telling them that football is bad and that Prince's nipple (pierced or not pierced I wonder?) is an infringement on people's right to watching morally appealing properties on their televisions.

I'm pretty sure I have this thing nailed down!
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Overcast, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:10am

Well, my belief's aside - I'm not a 'church goer'.

Actually, I'm more of a bar fly.

It's not the fact it was a Church - doesn't matter, that's completely irrelevant.

Funny how the NFL says a church can't have a showing of the Superbowl.

I IM'ed my boss with the web page - yeah, it's gonna get around now :) Big sports circle here. His comment was, "funny how they can tell a Church not to aire the superbowl, with the NFL's current 'image' of half it's players in Jail, you'd think they would be happy about that."

I like hot chicks, beer, liquor, and seedy bars as much as anyone I know. But this still pisses me off~~

But does it really matter? From an advertiser's point of view - who cares what 'religion' a buyer or potential buyer is. I'm sure many 'Church Goers' drink Budweiser, Drive Chevys, and use Visa...
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Overcast, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:11am

Come to think of it - those Churches should go document bars that require a 'cover charge' to get in and watch the game.

and SUE the hell out of the NFL~~
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Buzz, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:13am

I've heard this before!
For the record, I am not a football fan. I don't know team names, famous athletes, etc. I think it's all a big waste of time, but so are video games, and I like video games. Anyway, the NFL is way out of line here. I used to live in a place in Washington where the local church buildings would host similar football game viewing parties. I understand drawing the line at charging an entry fee, but banning it altogether for copyright infringement?

Did anyone else read that article about how handing off a digital camera to a friend to take picture for you was violation of the software license embedded inside? I think it was a Techdirt article even. Regardless, do these company people live life at all? Do the people at the camera companies ever stop to think that more-than-likely they have handed cameras off to friends for certain shots? Heck, all we have to do is search their albums for a picture of themselves, and they're busted! Did it ever occur to the NFL that people have been gathering to watch the games on HUGE screens for YEARS now? (I know that just because something has been in practice for a while doesn't necessarily mean it's right, but in this instance, I think it's OK.) I know I'm not a football fan, but isn't that half the fun? How many out there like to watch the game alone?

By the way, I just came from working in a men's dormitory at a university. There is a 65-inch TV in the main lounge where guys would gather to watch games all the time. The NFL really should hear about it... :P
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Overcast, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:15am

Well, I know one thing - I have a LOT of friends who are sports fans.

I'm emailing this to everyone of them!
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spoilsport, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:24am

Re: Laws gone wild.
Bah, Football says: "what difference would a handfull of churches make versuses the entire viewership of the world? It's .000000001% - maybe."
Good job, captain math, .000000001% of the world's population is about 6.5% of a single person.
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Joe Smith, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:24am

being safe
My TV might be more than 55 inches. The manufacturer said it was 55 inches but who knows, maybe they rounded down by 1/16 of an inch.

I certainly don't want to do anything illegal so I guess I'll play it safe and just:

NOT WATCH THE GAME.
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Buzz, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:28am

OMG
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league's long-standing policy is to ban "mass out-of-home viewing" of the Super Bowl. An exception is made for sports bars and other businesses that show televised sports as a part of their everyday operations. "We have contracts with our (TV) networks to provide free over-the-air television for people at home," Aiello said. "The network economics are based on television ratings and at-home viewing. Out-of-home viewing is not measured by Nielsen." That clenches it. This shows how stupid they really are. They have contracts with networks to provide FREE over-the-air television. So, they're throwing a fit because they won't receive accurate ratings. They're trying to ban the very thing that makes the Super Bowl so wonderful.
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Stickin It To The Man, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:32am

Ridiculous
I will now be using my projector to host a Super Bowl Party for everyone on my street. I'm also going to record the game and play it again right after it's over. I know some people that have to work and would love to watch it later. I will project it at the max size which for my projector is about 6' by 12'. I hope the NFl comes knockingand I really hope they sue I own nothing not even a car. If they go after my paycheck I will just quit I don't really have to work anyway. It just keeps me busy, thank my grandfather for a large trust fund that is not in this country. He is/was Venezulean and all the money remains there. Let's see how they like that, ass hats the lot of them
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:35am

Your home theater is safe, no matter how big
From the "definitions" section of 17 USC:

An “establishment” is a store, shop, or any similar place of business open to the general public for the primary purpose of selling goods or services in which the majority of the gross square feet of space that is nonresidential is used for that purpose, and in which nondramatic musical works are performed publicly.

A “food service or drinking establishment” is a restaurant, inn, bar, tavern, or any other similar place of business in which the public or patrons assemble for the primary purpose of being served food or drink, in which the majority of the gross square feet of space that is nonresidential is used for that purpose, and in which nondramatic musical works are performed publicly.
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benji, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:38am

55"
i say we all go out a buy 56 inch plasma tvs just for the super bowl.....then bring 'em back when were done.
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Merc, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:39am

Pathetic
How much more pathetic do you have to be? Players already make a ridiculous amount of money, the leagues make the same and the sprt itself is out of control!! When will they realize that it is the FANS that make them who they are? What would they do if the fans said "to hell with the SUPER BOWL" and found someting else to do that day? Of course the thought is obsurd and it would never happen. However, just because of the article I know I won't watch it. If even for the fact it is two teams I care anothing about.
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NFLosers, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:45am

Slaughter the Corporate Pigs
Football isn't for wimps...

Maybe playing football isn't for wimps, but what the hell does that have to do with people watching it on TV screens - of any size??

Is it time for your next joint yet?
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fred, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:55am

super bowl
is there a surplus of IP attorneys today or what? citing a specific dimension of a TV rather than other aspects of a venue...i.e., charging people etc., is the most absurd control I can remember hearing...so I should be penalized because my thing is too big?...how un-American is that?
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Ambo, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:57am

TVs in Cars and Wait till RIAA reads this
Last Week while I was waiting for my daughter to get through with dance, I watched a small part of a movie on the drop down TV in the SUV parked in front of me. I couldn't hear the sound, but now that I think about it, they were probably breaking the law by letting me see the screen. It was a public viewing of a movie.

I love how Dr. offices still showed Disney movies in their waiting rooms even after Disney tried to put a stop to it. I wonder if they still do that. Thankfully, haven't had anyone young enough for the pediatrician for several years.

When my neighbor is working on his 18 wheeler, he blast his 80 rock. The sound is not contained in his yard. I can just see the RIAA people riding around towns looking for people "sharing" their music with their neighbors. I'm surprised they haven't tried to put limits on how loud our radios will play to prevent this from happening.
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Petréa Mitchell, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:59am

Yikes
The limit on speakers that comes right after the screen size limit deserves mention-- not many people have 55" TVs, but I bet there are lots of audiophiles out there who have systems with more than 4 speakers in one room.
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ConceptJunkie (profile), 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:02am

I think I need to become a football fan just so I can boycott the Superbowl, but it's just not worth the effort.

I'll have to stick with not watching it because I just don't care.
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Russ, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:05am

ARE YOU SERIOUS NFL
NFL (Near F****ING LUNACY!!!

They have got to be kidding! What about the people "over there" who will be watching "the big game" in MWR centers in variousl "hot spots" around the globe? On proxima projectors? Will the NFL get their panties in a wad over that? Me personally, I could care less about football, the Super Bowl, big game or what have you...but them telling a church no. Pardon est moi, but F*** you NFL! You make too much money while the guys in the uniforms (Not military) make WAY too much money playing a GAME! So, on Sunday (Which we, may I assume can no longer call Superbowl Sunday) I will watch my 6 week old drool on herself instead. It will be way more enjoyable than the "Big Game" Besides, one team will win one will lose, regardless if I watch or not.
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poff, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:06am

church
church people think they can do anything because they are better than everyone, but screw the nfl anyway
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This is INSANE, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:11am

Church or no Church I think the NFL is taking this way too far. They are abusing their power. The best way to teach them a lesson is to hit them where it hurts - their revenu. Stop buying the products that are advertised during the 'Super Bowl' and stop buying their merchandise. I can't say don't watch the game, there are people out there who love the game of football and could care less who is going to be the half time show. Next thing you know, we are goign to have to pay $100 dollars to watch the game on pay per view. It is very sad to see what this world is coming to.
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me (damnit), 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:14am

And I'd like to remind the NFL...
that they can kiss my pigskin balls. The very fact that screen size has anything at all to do with this is simply assinine.

Maybe the NFL should ask their advertisers and sponsors their opinion (yes I know they are actually the network's advertisers, but the money still ends up in the NFL's pocket).

See how many chip, beer, TV, etc. companies would support the end of Super Bowl parties. You know, where I invite 50-60 people over, we watch it on SEVERAL large screens, and they all cram lots of grub down their throats. You know, where I DON'T charge admission and in the end up spending several hundred dollars on stuff the advertisers sell to entertain all these people.

Yeah, lets see how much money the advertisers and sponsors wouldn't make if the SB parties ended.

I'll give you a hint, NFL. There's a very good reason the chip & beer folks want to promote themselves with the SB: revenue. People don't buy all that crap if they're sitting home alone watching.

The NFL. Maybe that means "Not For Long". Dillholes.
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Steve, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:14am

The Church should PAY
The church should pay just like any other commercial establishment charging people to view the game. BUT, it will be a cold day in hell before the football fans of America pay the NFL for showing the Super Bowl or any other game to a home full of family and friends.

I'd drop football completely if the NFL pursued a single private party for hosting a Super Bowl get together.
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a guy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:19am

Church bashing not necessary...
I don't even go to church, but there's no need to bash these church people. It's not like they're inviting the general public in by the hundreds or thousands, charging $50 a head and building a new gym from the proceeds. They're just providing a place for their members (and sure, maybe a few non-members) to come enjoy the game together. It's just a bit of outreach to people, and they're asking for a few bucks to cover their costs. They're non-profit for pete's sake.

What's the NFL thinking? If these people don't watch it at church, they'll fly in for the game? Give me a break. Even if they did, they'd have to get their tickets from scalpers! There's the only place they're losing any real revenue. They should just auction the tickets off an hour before the game!
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Artist, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:24am

Re: Re: What is really the truth
"Says who? Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 110 does not define a church, bar or club as public. "
The courts said who.
Numerous cases have been decided on what is and is not a public display.
In the most basic application. Anyplace you do not have an expectation of privacy, i.e. you house, a restroom, a locker room etc... IS a public place.
And public display of copyright material applies.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:40am

6x8
So am I going to hell for my 120" projection screen?
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DM/Diddy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:41am

Collections?
"A church is not a commercial orgainization like a bar".

Well, kinda. What do you bet that they were planning on asking for "contributions" to defray the cost of opening the church for the game? Or do you naively suppose they will hide all of the collection boxes?
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Andy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:41am

NFL copyright
Seems to me that the paymaster should have something to say agout who watches and how. The paymaster in this case is the people who put up the big bucks for TV adds. I would think they would want every person possible to be watching in what ever manner possible so they can get their moneys worth. When they see what these picky rules are doing to their advertising dollers, maybe they won't want to pay so much for the adds.
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kurttrail, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:50am

The NFL LIED to the church.
"in the case of a food service or drinking establishment, either the establishment in which the communication occurs has less than 3,750 gross square feet of space (excluding space used for customer parking and for no other purpose), or the establishment in which the communication occurs has 3,750 gross square feet of space or more (excluding space used for customer parking and for no other purpose) and—
(I) if the performance is by audio means only, the performance is communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers, of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or adjoining outdoor space; or
(II) if the performance or display is by audiovisual means, any visual portion of the performance or display is communicated by means of a total of not more than 4 audiovisual devices, of which not more than one audiovisual device is located in any 1 room, and no such audiovisual device has a diagonal screen size greater than 55 inches, and any audio portion of the performance or display is communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers, of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or adjoining outdoor space;"

In other words, since the church is NOT a "food service or drinking establishment," then they aren't bound by the 55" limit, and neither are you in your own home.

Corporate Lawyers suck, and will lie about the law, to get you to believe in total nonsense.
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Nasty Old Geezer, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:52am

Re: Yikes
The real irony about the 4 speaker limit: the HD broadcast is in 5.1 surround. ROTFLMAO
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Brad Eleven, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:01am

re: What is really the truth
1. The truth is subjective, i.e., does not exist independently of human consciousness. Thanks for sharing yours.

2. The NFL is pulling the old MPAA/RIAA tactic, e.g., going after small entities who can't afford to defend themselves legally.

Ridiculous. Unenforceable. Evidence of more corporate leaders detached from reality.
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-, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:06am

What the hell is the world coming to. Everybody is so anal about every possible cent they have the potential to gain from anything it's ruining freedoms and liberties nobody ever thought would be put into question. What I've gained from this article is that if I were to invite a few friends over to watch the Super Bowl (gasp!) on my beautiful 60 inch high definition plasma, and made it public, the NFL would come after me for legal purposes. Does anybody realize how f*cking ridiculous that is??? In sheer protest to all this, I will have all my friends over on Super Bowl Sunday, hang up signs broadcasting the name Super Bowl in everypossible space in my house, display the game on every screen on the premises, including 2 55", 1 60", and one 80". I will then proceed to charge everyone $1 to come, therefore completely and totally defying the crybaby NFL execs, and in my own words, telling them and everyone else adhering to this insane trend of fighting to your last breath for every penny within your line of sight, to f*ck off. All this coming from a man who is, himself, obsessed with business and making money, but would never stoop to such an whining immature level.
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Devon, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:10am

NOTHING BUT LAME!!!
WTF?!?!? Since when is it cool to slap lawsuits on your customers? Or even threaten it for that matter?

What difference does it make if out of the millions of people watching the game, 20 or 30 people get together and watch it. It's a social thing. If I had a big enough TV, I'd ADVERTISE a SUPER BOWL (oh no!!! copyright infringement!!!) party just to spite them. This is so lame. I don't even like football all that much, but to do something like this... It's like Bill Gates complaining that he's a penny short in change. It's stupid.

You know what? I'll do it anyway!

Everyone come to my place for a PUBLIC showing of the SUPER BOWL the ENTRANCE FEE is $5.00 A PIECE.

HAHA!! I'm making money off the SUPER BOWL!

SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL
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American, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:14am

::shaking head::
Have we forgotten that this IS the people's game? Christmas never asked for anything back, Why would The Super Bowl?
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Devon, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:14am

Re: Ridiculous
Rock on bro, rock on.

I'd come, but I'm hosting my own party. Just to piss them off.
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Bob, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:19am

Supper Bowl
I will be doing as I have every other year - put my projector outside - and watch the "Big Game" on my nice white garage door.
No street lights - 16' x 9' door - makes you feel right at the game.
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Bryan John Boswell, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:23am

NFL
I'd like to remind the NFL that their version of football is a copyright infrindgement of the real game.
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Aircraft Guy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:24am

Super Bowl
That is crazy... How much did they get from the network for ad revenues? The only people making good on this is the NFL's lawyers
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eriks, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:29am

They don't have a choice. The law does not allow for selective enforcement of trademark. If the NFL can be shown to not be enforcing their trademark they may forfeit it.

Blame congress, they wrote the stupid law, the NFL is just obeying it.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:47am

Best Buy, Circuit City, You're NEXT
So is it a copyright infringement for a department store or home electronics retailer to show an NFL game to the public on the showroom floor? What next royalties charged because 200 people walked past the big screen at Sears?
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Sammy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 10:56am

The only way to win...
...Is not to play.

or

"There is a shark in our swimming pool. If we choose not swim there, it will starve to death."

Both seem to apply in this case.

Boycott the NFL.
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Indy Sux so does BEARS, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:15am

Boycott the NFL.
Boycott the NFL. Both teams suck. Woohoo African American coach.. who cares.... blah blah blah blah blah
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liam_668, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:15am

The Big Game
And people wonder why I root for 'Heidi,' every year.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:17am

Re: The Big Game
Cause she's HOT!!! ??

ps.

post some pics!
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Indy Sux so does BEARS, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:18am

Re: The Big Game
Cause she's HOT!!! ??

ps.

post some pics!
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Frnak, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:38am

Churches, Persecution, and Money
Why do churches do this? They are trying to draw in people who would otherwise stay away from church on Super Bowl night. Then they have a mini-sermon during halftime.

But what Christians (I am one) ought to be doing is going to a regular church service on Sunday night and worshiping God, not worshiping football. For those who think the NFL is persecuting them: maybe this is a wake-up call from God. Put your attention on Him, not football.

And if you really think the NFL (or the nefarious "they") are out to get Christians, wake up. They want money, nothing else. If fact, they are doing this for the very same reason the churches are: they think this will cause people to go to church on Super Bowl night rather than somewhere else. And if that somewhere else is a restaurant or bar that pays a license fee, the NFL has lost money.

Besides this isn't persecution. If you possess a Bible in Saudi Arabia, you go to jail. Having an unregistered church service in your home in China lands you in jail. THAT's persecution, not this. Stop whining and turn your eyes toward Jesus. The NFL is irrelevant.
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Jose@lxpages.com, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:38am

Ridiculous
What's next? You have to pay to watch the super bowl? This is ridiculous in every way possible. No argument could convince me ever.
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NFL_and_the_mattress_police, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:57am

NFL and the mattress police
roflmao - what's next? The mattress police doing house searches to see if the tag that says "do not remove under penalty of the law" has been removed from your mattresses/pillows? Watch out - the FBI may stake out your house over something like this.

This political correctness is getting out of hand. People have lost the power to the almighty dollar. Being a huge NFL fan I'm embarrased that they'd even make a huge deal out of a church doing this.

If anything they should promote this good will in such places to gain bigger audiences but apparrently the NFL has gotten fat and content on it's gains from the fans over the last few years. I lost interest in baseball during the last strike and haven't missed it for years. At this rate I'm sure I can find something to pass the time away so I don't have to worry about infringing on NFL rights... this world has gone mad...
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 12:25pm

Guess I can't watch the game...my TV is 56"
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webmasterx, 2 Feb 2007 @ 12:56pm

Re: Wow
Yeah cause you haven't played a man's game until you've stuck your fingers up someone elses ass and leaned on them really hard.
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Animal Planet nut, 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:20pm

Re: The Big Lame
Puppy Bowl FTW!
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Honestly, 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:36pm

They don't want 'groups', because the more separate homes/places the games are watched in, the more subscription demand/TV revenue. The greed and idiocy from the top of one industry after another never ceases.
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Honestly, 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:37pm

They don't want 'groups', because the more separate homes/places the games are watched in, the more subscription demand/TV revenue. The greed and idiocy from the top of one industry after another never ceases.
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T.O., 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:37pm

Competition
The NFL and Church compete for the same timeslots on a weekly basis. Its war! Also, mainly church goers were the ones who made a big deal out of Janet Jacksons "incident" a couple years back. Now the NFL is out for revenge!
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:45pm

Re: Re: of course a church
Get back on your meds right now!
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SettleDown, 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:45pm

Common Sense
Calm down, kids. The church isn't going to have to shut its doors over this, nor is the NFL coming after you for your Super Bowl shrine or billboard-sized TV screen.

The church should do the "Christian" thing:
1) Obey the law
2) Allow the congregation to watch the game on the church equipment at no cost. If they pass a collection plate in the middle of the game... so what? That's what churches do.

If the NFL chose to come after them (and they wouldn't), the NFL would have to show damage or violation of the law.

This would constitute following the law and allowing your members to commune.

Incidentally, the more popular something is, the more aggressively its copyright must be defended. Try distributing a likeness of Micky Mouse or Homer Simpson through your website. You WILL be contacted.
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Honestly, 2 Feb 2007 @ 1:48pm

Re: Re: of course a church
Are you OK? This runs deeper than the article above for you, huh?
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mattdr4517, 2 Feb 2007 @ 2:21pm

TVs
Here is a novel idea?? How about the Churches getting several 55 inch TVs and lining them up, or having several viewing areas? Then they could watch "the BIG game" in familair company and not "infringe" on any rights!
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rstr5105, 2 Feb 2007 @ 2:22pm

A little Off topic, well not really.....
It seems to me, that for good or for bad, the Striesand(SP?) effect is in full force right now. I mean look at this, here we all are discussing the super bowl, (super bowel?), talking about the NFL, and basically giving them free publicity, one way or another.

There is an old saying out there no news travels like bad news, well, this proves it. We're all thinking NFL right now. Be it NFL Rocks, or NFL Sucks.

Thanks techdirt, for helping them out.
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Public, 2 Feb 2007 @ 2:47pm

Re: Re: Re: What is really the truth
Anyplace you do not have an expectation of privacy, i.e. you house, a restroom, a locker room etc... IS a public place.
Huh? My house is a public place where I have no expectation of privacy? Maybe you menat the opposite of what you said. If so, then by your "reasoning" there is no such thing as a public restroom.

You're not a lawyer, are you?
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 2:51pm

Re: Re: What is really the truth
The statutory enactments contained in the Copyright Act of 1976 wasn't created for such hipocracy and unjust practices.
You're being naive. Of course it was. Don't expect it to change either.
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Sean Christiansen, 2 Feb 2007 @ 3:26pm

KILL DRM while you still can. Call your representa
You will need to start with the DRM issues if you want to win this fight. Later you can tell the GREEDY NFL to kiss you LEFT AND RIGHT CHEEKS. FIRST stop the Studios,music companies, and television industry by killing all Digital Rights Managment tools (DRM) ASAP. Second stop going to SPORTING events,buying into anything that helps THE NFL or the owners, OR WATCHING ON TV. Help the players if you can but don't support the GREEDY at the top. Watching on TV only helps to pay the bills and line the pockets of the NFL. Pretty soon they will want to charge you for every eyeball watching in the room. Stop this crap now while you still have a chance. Call your elected officals and get informed on the topics of DRM use. DRM is not your FRIEND.
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mr mcse, 2 Feb 2007 @ 3:57pm

DRM and the NFL DONT VOTE for DRM supporters
DONT VOTE FOR Dianne Feinstein United States Senator because she introduces DRM legilation under many names and is a BIG supporter(SUPORTED) of the STUDIOS and RECORD LABLES. Supporting her supports DRM. Checkout the GOODFIGHT at http://www.eff.org/
They support and maintain YOUR Bill of RIGHTS in the digital world. Just visit and read and get informed. NO COSTS TO YOU. Get on their mailling list. All they will send is an email heads up to help stop a new stupid act or bill right when it is trying to get support. It's up to you. Be active or lose your rights.
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john noonan, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:02pm

what????
I am plain and simple sick of this corporate crap. It sucks to be alive during this era because corporations have become so uptight and our country has become so uptight that everything is worried about. It might cost someone somewhere some money....

This stuff makes me sick. If we aren't overly worried about the "terrorist threat" than we are worried about getting screwed.
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Clay Mahaffey, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:07pm

Re: Re: of course a church
I love you, too.
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Clay Mahaffey, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:07pm

Re: Re: of course a church
I love you, too.
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Clay Mahaffey, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:07pm

Re: Re: of course a church
I love you, too.
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Clay Mahaffey, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:07pm

Re: Re: of course a church
I love you, too.
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Clay Mahaffey, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:08pm

Re: Re: of course a church
I love you, too.
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ronnie, 2 Feb 2007 @ 5:32pm

NFL
Do you remember the movie Rollerball with James Caan?
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rstr5105, 2 Feb 2007 @ 6:23pm

Way to go captain math

Bah, Football says: "what difference would a handfull of churches make versuses the entire viewership of the world? It's .000000001% - maybe."
Good job, captain math, .000000001% of the world's population is about 6.5% of a single person.

Actually its roughly 652.5% of one person. Or in other words 6.525 people.

Way to go captain math!
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leroy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:15pm

maintaining the value
I swear, one of the big parts of the overall distribution rules of games like the Superbowl is to restrict access. The NFL maintains the value of it's "product" by restricting access. Making it as hard to get to as reasonably possible is a big part of how it protects it's value. The NFL itself is not the direct beneficiary of TV advertising, it's the distribution of the video that they protect. They want to make it a little difficult to see it or record it because if it was available everywhere, on every rock, on every billboard, then the loose control and the value decreases. Ever wonder why this game is not simulcast on the NFL Channel?

And why would anyone pay $25 to "own a copy of this program" when they can pop in a DVD or tape and make a copy for themselves? In the long run they want to make it technically impossible to make home recordings, getting you used to that idea now. But this is their goal.

Long term, their goal is that you may view it, but not record it without paying extra. Look at the bottom of your Directv or Dish receivers. You'll see the sticker for Macrovision Inc. The technology to halt home recording is in place today.

"L"
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Dumb American, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:35pm

Dumb American
Easily solved - watch cricket instead

And by the way, entire viewership of the world? You think the whole world is watching some stupid NFL game - grow up...sheesh.
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JimR, 2 Feb 2007 @ 7:55pm

Re:
Are you trying to tell all of us that every bar and resturant that has a tv on the wall and showing the SuperBowl is paying a fee to do that? Come on, give me a break. You are one of the leftist that are always trying to down religion and it shows big time.
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workingindust, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:02pm

What about for those serving in Iraq/Afghanistan
Damn, looks like the MWR will have to cancel the Super Bowl parties because they have 4 60" tv's in the fest tent (and a big party it will be BTW). Thanks NFL, you're going to have a bunch of pissed off Soldiers, Saliors, Airmen and Marines, armed to the teeth and looking at you as the root cause because you canceled their few moments of relaxation (I wouldn't call it that because they'll be waking up at 03:30 to watch it live, but you get the point).
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JimR, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:05pm

Re: Re: of course a church
I beg to differ. It is not just him, it is a lot of us who belieive in the invisible man in the sky as you so stupidly put it. Just so you do know. but don't understand. Satan does indeed have a big hand in the ways the Christians are being persecuted. You can keep denying this but one day you will have to face the music. I HAD RATHER LIVE LIKE THERE IS A GOD AND FIND OUT WHEN I DIE THERE ISN'T THAN TO LIVE LIKE THERE IS NO GOD (like you) AND FIND OUT THERE REALLY IS A GOD.
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Zergy, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:22pm

Struck a cord
Looks like Mike struck a nerve with this one. Mind you it looks like all the christians and non christians are fighting over post # 2. Like saying there is no god, makes your point right. But to Focus, it really is sad the the NFL picked a church to pick on. Like any of these guys were gonna go to the game. I would just boycott like have the people are say they will now, only because they weren't gonna watch it anyways. Rememeber this. Its about the money. Corps don't care about anything else, they only sponser cause it get the peopel to believe they are "good" but its all about the money. To quote a great movie, the greatest trick the devil ever played is covincing the world he doesn't exist.

Ok with all that said, who will be the first to flame my comments with the hatred that always seems to come from one of these assuming posts. I wait in anticipation. Throw in some insults about my mother while your at it, eh?

P.S to lazy to spell check
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Jim R, 2 Feb 2007 @ 8:27pm

Re: Churches, Persecution, and Money
Amen brother, it couldn't have been better said.
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yawn, 2 Feb 2007 @ 9:11pm

big deal
American sports are boring anyway, stopping people from watching the game is actually doing them a favour.
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jayhoward, 2 Feb 2007 @ 11:34pm

NFL Blood Money
Have a look at a great article in the New York Times on Friday, which details the price some pay for going in there on Sundays and bashing their heads for our enjoyment.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/02/sports/football/02concussions.html?ref=sports
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Anonymous Coward, 3 Feb 2007 @ 2:33am

re #144
Yeah, american sports are boring, have you ever tried to sit through a game of soccer?
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Ben, 3 Feb 2007 @ 5:26am

Professional Sports
This looks like a good time to take all the profesisonal sports off television and save us all a lot of dollars. Plus, there would not be as much conerned about infringement of their power.
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ron, 3 Feb 2007 @ 5:48am

pro sports
Perhaps we should teach these high paid babys a good lesson.Don't attend any games ,don't watch any and don't buy there overpriced merchandise.They all need to live in the real world where people actually work for a living instead of playing a game .
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Evil Shiester, 3 Feb 2007 @ 7:25am

Stop Your Belly Aching!
Oh you whiners! Stop your belly aching already!

We all know the only religion being practiced on Super Bowl Sunday is MONEY. We tune in to watch the mediocer game but we also love to watch those multi-million dollar commecials and that's mostly what we talk about anyway after the game.

They know we're slaves to their system and now they're treating us like it. Nobody pipped a squeek when new copyright laws were being enacted; nobody cared. But now that they're using them to their advantage and it's affecting your 'lifestyle' negatively, you're ready to act.

Too late, suckers! Perhaps this will teach you all a good civics lesson the next time some Fascist Corporate Lobbyist says your 56" TV is a 'public broadcast device' and NFL Inc. sends you a bill for $1000 for every game you publicly displayed and $5000 for the "Big Game".

Personally, I think the Simpsons is going to be a more entertaining afternoon. Or (God Forbid) a good book!

Don't let that American Fascist Corporate Oppression get you down; you voted for it! Remember?

Regards,

Evil Shiester
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Mike Raia, 3 Feb 2007 @ 8:18am

Re: Pathetic
Mediocre and unappealing teams? Are you from a coast perchance? You might note that both teams had to win a lot of games and then beat several playoff caliber teams to be where they are. Not sure how that qualifies as mediocre. Ad far as unappealing, what does that even mean?
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Ron, 3 Feb 2007 @ 8:22am

Re: What is really the truth
SANITY AT LAST Thanks
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Anonymous Coward, 3 Feb 2007 @ 11:34am

Re: Wake UP NFL !!!
"noise bleed sections" ????

I guess that's where the noise bleeds most profusely, so... down by the field.
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Mike, 3 Feb 2007 @ 1:28pm

NFL Hormone deficiency perhaps ?
Dumb *** shortsighted ... arrogant .. NFL Officials

If it wasn't for the fans they would have **** right now .. funny how they only see $$green$$ when they are successful ... and I ain't talkin about the turf.

The fans made the NFL .. no one else

What a bunch of jutzes

May their balls turn to footballs

I only have one thing to say .. quote from a comic Mad magazine 1961.

" ikky poo "
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Konkrete Kids, 3 Feb 2007 @ 2:38pm

How much do you pay a year in football tax for you
"Most of us would never think of asking our neighbors to foot a personal bill. We accept responsibility for car and roof repairs as ours alone. In addition, we don't bang on the door across the street in order to demand a contribution towards our children's figure skating lessons, taekwondo classes, etc. That which is consumed or used by our families is to be paid from our pockets — the definition of personal responsibility.

Now let's change the situation slightly. Instead of a figure skating lesson — the realm of the private good, consider the local public high school football team..."

Is High School Football a Public Good?
http://www.mises.org/story/2419
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54N71460, 3 Feb 2007 @ 4:26pm

stupid americans
stupid americans!!! how about watching some real football!!! you know, the kind of REAL FOOTBALL that is played all around the world, by real athletes, and the best part it's only got ONE comercial brake, and nobody waches it, so there are no stupid megacomercials
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James, 3 Feb 2007 @ 4:55pm

copright infrigement
I'm sorry if someone already said this,
1. Why does it matter whether the size is 55 or 155 inches? Ain't the main objective is to attract as many ppl as possible?
2. WHO CARES IF A FOOTBALL IS STREAMED!!!! Just b glad some ppl actually give a crap about the game!
At least that is just me.
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Yogi Bear (Come and get me, WB!), 3 Feb 2007 @ 6:28pm

FUCK the NFL!
That's right, tomorrow instead of watching "The Big Game" and looking at Prince's tit, I think I'll record it and watch the commercials later! And while we're at it, Fuck the RIAA (Downloading's cool), Fuck the MPAA ($8.00 for a movie and $3.50 for a fuckin' box of milk duds you can buy at the Dollar Tree), and Fuck VIACOM! (Yea, the one who owns CBS, Comedy Central, Nick, MTV, VH1, TVLand, Blockbuster Video, Billboards, Paramount, Showtime, O.B. Tampons, Haley's M.O., etc.
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peter, 3 Feb 2007 @ 7:57pm

Re:
FUCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
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Me, 3 Feb 2007 @ 11:11pm

Re: BS
Sports bars aren't paying a damn thing to the NFL. Do you think the NFL has a way of proving it from EVERY sports bar in the country? It's televised live... FREE. They give a bigger screen exemption to these bars because they sell the product that puts money back into the NFL... BEER. The stupid thing is the NFL feels the bigger the screen at homes... the more people gathered. It's a deal with the networks to help their arbitron ratings... more TV's turned on to the game.
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Bill Kemp, 4 Feb 2007 @ 5:52am

Super Bowl Game
The church should do it any way! Just don't talk any more about it.
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Ryan, 4 Feb 2007 @ 6:48am

Re: The Big Lame
The Puppy Bowl! Yes!
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Yogi, 4 Feb 2007 @ 10:15am

Re: Re:
No, FUCK YOU!!
NFL Shill
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patrick, 4 Feb 2007 @ 1:32pm

Re: Yikes
funny comment! On a different slant, according to the polls I've read - the commercials are watched more than the game
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|333173|3|_||3, 4 Feb 2007 @ 7:39pm

facts
as I understand it, facts cannot be copyrighted, so anyone could produce thier own commentary. furthermore, anyone can advertise a TV watching session for superbowl sunday, because this does not violate any trademark. THe church can charge attendees for chips & dip, even if tehy buy more than they will use for this, and sell it later (prove it!). THey can even have someone at the door, asking for donations. If the church hall is considered to be a public place, then all that has to be done is for someone who has a large basemnet, preferably one with its own external door, to use that for the purpose, and then it is in a private place, even if the Priest announces it and everyone knows it is an official Parish event.
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Wizard Prang, 5 Feb 2007 @ 8:20am

Voluntary = free.
Perhaps they were... but contributions are voluntary. That does not make them a commercial organization.
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Wizard Prang, 5 Feb 2007 @ 8:30am

Well said.
I believe that the expression you were seeking is "Bread and Circuses"

History is repeating itself.

What a shame, that the worlds greatest nation should choose to reduce itself to this.
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wendy, 7 Feb 2007 @ 5:30pm

Power to the People!
Their lesson:
Size matters, brains don't.

Our collective & powerful recourse:
Never again buy a product or service from any of the companies who aired ads the evening of 2/4/07 on CBS.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2007 @ 7:22am

perhaps we should go on strike.. not watch at all anymore resulting in, football going to the wastside.. Lets not forget it really the fans who pay for all of it anyway.. well most of it. Without us.. there would be no reason for them. NOW THERE IS A THOUGHT.
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Robert Blackwell, 28 Nov 2007 @ 8:16pm

ill never pay for nfl
I've watched the Dallas Cowboys all my life, FOR FREE! and if the greedy nfl thinks it can make this country pay for it they will find alot of us saying NO WAY ill watch something else and never buy any nfl stuff again!
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pietilam, 1 Feb 2008 @ 6:31pm

Re: of course a church
I couldn't agree more. Then again, Christians know that this sort of thing will become more and more prevalent, as we are living in the end times.
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sacker, 1 Feb 2008 @ 10:14pm

to some of you posting
I am from New England and I am going to watch this SUPER BOWL game on a projection system with friends and it is none of the NFL's business. With that said and being a a big football fan I have read a lot of these postings and I have some questions for some of you out there.

If you are not going to watch the game why are you spending time here?
If you think the 2 teams in the SUPER BOWL are mediocre then how do you describe the Miami Dolphins?
18-0 mediocre what planet are you from?
What's wrong with church goers?
If you don't go to church then what are you worshiping?
If you posted with the law 170-2 stated or something like that then aren't you on the wrong forum?
I might have made some typing errors but why don't you check your's before you submit?
How can someone who claims to have never watched a SUPER BOWL with the New England Patriots playing know so much about those games?
Am I right after the SUPER BOWL everyone is thinking I'll never pay for the NFL network?
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Rachel, 2 Feb 2008 @ 5:34am

They put it on public television...
The Super Bowl is broadcasted on public television. What does it matter if a group of people want to watch it on a projector? A projector isn't even technically a TV screen.

Not to mention that you can watch the game on the internet. Technically the internet public. Absolutely anyone can get on and watch. If they NFL has to issue liscenses so that sports bars can show the game to a group of people, then shouldn't they be paying for the internet broadcasts as well? (Should they be paying Al Gore? I mean, he invented the internet!)

The whole situation is completely stupid, and whether or not you still watch the Super Bowl, it won't make any difference. Pretty much everyone watches it for the commercials anyways.
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jessie, 3 Feb 2008 @ 7:30am

Re: of course a church
If it's not because it is a church why CAN they still show it in a bar? that is obscene and makes no sense to me and shows what kind of idiots are in charge of the NFL. They will come into MY home and tell me how many and how big my tv can be? I don't think so. good post.
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JLR, 7 Feb 2008 @ 11:44am

public performance
Does ANY copyrighted viewing on a screen over 55 inches become a public performance? Since Copyright Law is defining Public Performance as any screen over 55 inches. Make it a law that any screen over 55 inches comes with a requirement that the "public" has access to this screen. Otherwise this whole argument falls apart. If I have a screen over 55 inches and post such notice in the local news paper does that mean I can't use my big screen to watch anything copyrighted?
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freddie, 7 Feb 2008 @ 7:34pm

yeah sure
hmmm oh dear, I have a 60 inch and had 25 people over for the super bowl. come and get me
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David Whitten, 7 Feb 2008 @ 10:17pm

Greedy Pigs
So, the NFL is pissing and moaning about copyright infringements eh? First of all, you could not pay me enough to watch the buffoons in question. The NFL knows their addicted audience don't they? There are cretins who would pay to see the Super Bowl if there were a charge imposed. Had the church asked for a donation instead of charging, then the argument might have been more interesting. God versus the NFL. How rich.
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Sandy, 11 Feb 2008 @ 6:27am

Super Bowl?
I remember during the Viet Nam War, people had designed a bumber sticker, that said: What if they gave a WAR, and NOBODY came?
So I say: What if they had a Super Bowl (or callit whatever you want) and nobody came to watch the game, or tune in the TV Station that (supposedly) holds the strings to the broadcast? What to they,the Big TV Chains, the Big Sports Consortiums, to control how the sport loving Americans watch the games. What if NOBODY cares WHO hit a Homer, made a TD pass, Scored a TD and every thing elso connected with Sports. They will have to beg John Q. American, to come watch their games, free, and even throw in a HOT Dog!
We Americans, due to our Sporting inclination, allowed Big Corps. to pass rules as to who can, and when, watch sporting events. Let's go back to being more Sport conscious, and less Profit conscious!
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paul, 18 Apr 2008 @ 9:05am

this sucks
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jim simpson, 6 May 2008 @ 10:52pm

NO FUN LEAGUE
AND SO THE NO FUN LEAGUE adds another embarrassment to its growing Pacman Jones like sideshow reel....Nice work guys. Take yourselves a little less seriously....Geez...is the draft still on?????????/
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arvidis lithuanicus spartacus, 1 Jan 2009 @ 10:58am

more than copyright infringement
Hey; Lorenzo Tonti et al, all the way to the Bernie Madoff shock-test, wow.....Mr. Greenspan must be chuckling, or hiding under a casino somewhere? Quick recap....Armstrong Committee...Jeckyll Island, Aldrich Bill, Federal Reserve Act1913....1933 and HJR192...no Quo warranto....resulting in Public Policy and end to Public National Money System(Gold Standard)....Dutch Robbels Bank of Netherlands holding receivership of the UNITED STATES bankruptcy.....and we are now chattel(pledged by Council of State Government's "Governors Conference") property in a massive federal Tontine scheme.....re-insured by a credit policy....last man standing (Exon, yadda-yadda, bling, bling, bling, bang!) Oh,the "Good Ship Earth".....Operations Research Technical Manual TM-SW7905.1 and info gathering (IRS et al 150 nation agreement via United Nations-IMF....who pays Paulson? PL 94-564?, anyway)...GHW Bush refers to the "Superfund". (Remember, no more Great Registers and we are all nothing but chattel property and collateral to the Federal Reserve for the bankruptcy of the US in 1933?). Well, this(Superfund)is an accouint opened in the World Bank under a fictitious name, wherein the Great Registers and yourselves, as chattel property, are the assets of the account. Every person in this nation(open borders anyone?),being chattel property and collateral to the bankruptcy, has been insured(anyone for a good war, like Smedley Butler?)by the Federal Reserve. It is the Great Registers of allodial property and your persons, as insured chattel,that comprise the "Superfund". The account number of this account is the same infamous bank account no.which brought about the demise of Baring's Bank in England. This same acct.no.appears when these banks go down, or moneys are lost....bailout anyone? Participants in this monetary feeding frenzy into this World Bank account, number 888888888, are Goldman Sachs, et al, and others in contract to the U.S. Government, aka Ariel Life Systems, DFG Inc., Palm Springs Baseball Club and other Baseball Clubs....with recent additions and Box Gangs,etc.....so, you see, the Federal Reserve is a Maritime Limited Liability corporation, or insurance company holding unauthorized life insurance policies on American Citizens that are deposited directly into World bank actt. no.88-8888888, which is used as the "National Faith and Credit"of the United States. If you want to watch the Super Bowl on something larger than a 55" screen you'll have to pay the full price of admission, if invited (likely not), unless you have a contact in the Palm Beach Baseball Club. I'd recommend Bart Giamatti over at Contoys bar in New Haven...but he's dead and I haven't spoken to the old man in years......you might try 125 High St.....that's a pretty hard ticket too. Cowhill Rd,anyone?.......Wake up!
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ohhhreallyman, 3 Feb 2009 @ 1:26pm

Re: Re: of course a church
dude its not that it was a church if it was a synagouge or mosque it would be the same thing its not just us christians this is a direct attack on the freedoms of american citizens this is not a jew muslim christian thing this is a NATIONAL CRISIS there should be retaliation against this mishandling of the law
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THE COMING, 24 Feb 2009 @ 8:10am

Re: What is really the truth
ok first you are a painter YOU DONT HAVE A REAL JOB!!!! I DONT KNOW THE LAST TIME I LOOKED FOR A PAINTING, SECOND I GO TO CHURCH AND FOR THE NFL TO INFRINGE ON THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IS WRONG! and you talk about you think the NFL is right for doing so well that is you and the SUPERBOWL Wasnt even all that good in the first place the NFL is slowly going down and if we cant watch the NFL IN CHURCH WE SHOULDNT BE ABLE TO WATCH IT ANYWHERE, they are trying to throw a party a SUPERBOWL PARTY NOT SELL CRACK OR DRUGS A SUPERBOWL PARTY AND ANYONE WHO AGREES SO HELP YOU GOD! O and artist more like prick GET A REAL JOB!
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Doc Holliday, 7 Oct 2009 @ 5:07pm

Re: What is really the truth
As one who worker for the largest "Performing Rights" Organizations in the World, here are the facts.

By US law immediate family and friends do not constitute a Public Performance. A Copyright infringement occurs with two events happen, 1.) when those that are not immediate family and friends gather, 2.) when they perform a copyright event live or broadcast.

And they are a few exemptions. Music performed in the normal church service is exempt from copyright infringement, but if the Church should have a concert, outside of a normally scheduled service, they would need to get permission to do so or they would be committing copyright infringement. Music performed at weddings, birthdays, wakes, funerals, etc. are exempt from copyright laws, because generally the vast majority of people gathered at the event are family and or friends.

Mike
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noah, 27 Jan 2010 @ 10:48am

Re:
you're an idiot. Churches are non-profit, not commercial enterprises. Jeeze learn something before making stupid comments.
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The Aardvark, 27 Jan 2010 @ 11:08am

Re: stupid americans
Stupid Forigner!!! Learn to spell.... Brakes are used to stop a car. The word is Break! You Dumbass!
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savd, 5 Feb 2010 @ 6:25am

Re: Re: of course a church
Christians don't condemn anyone to hell, God does, and to anyone who rejects his grace and forgiveness thru the sacrifice of his son Jesus.
Remember that when your standing in the line
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U.R. SoSimple, 26 Jan 2011 @ 4:06am

Big Screen Superbowl
Catch me if you can a$$holes.
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Octavius, 26 Jan 2011 @ 9:55am

55 inches
My TV is 60 inches - come on over, everybody!
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Guuyu, 1 Dec 2011 @ 5:48am

Greedy Corporations
This is nothing more than a move to block groups from watching football season.

Not only is this highly segregational,but do not think the NFL will stop there. Soon they'll try to get into our homes (like Netflix) and tell us that we cannot bring our own friends/family to watch on the big-screen with cable that we PAY for because it's "copyright infringement"

It's a hindrance of free expression. Now Protect IP does this and WORSE. This bill enables companies to come against individuals who's content they don't "like!" and ordinary users can go to jail for 5 years just for posting background music in a review! (Companies have a HISTORY of abusing and censoring the internet. YouTube is a shadow of what it use to be).

If you don't want the greedy eyes of the corporations and the chocking effect of the government to squash your expression of freedom SIGN against this!

It's not a joke! Companies are getting desperate/greedy and their trying to censor the world wide web. Soon the internet will be under control like North Korea or China if people don't stand up for their rights!
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Anonymous Coward, 1 Dec 2011 @ 2:33pm

Re: The Big Game
Any relation to the JungleJim I met in a bondage chatroom?
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Mike N, 27 Jan 2012 @ 4:22am

Re: of course a church
Considering the behavior of the Christian Church over the last two thousand years (13 crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, witch burnings, Bosnia, Ireland, turning their back on WWII victims and many others) I don't think you should complain about being singled out for persecution.
Particularly here where the NFL is after everybody.
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Anonymous Coward, 3 Feb 2012 @ 9:47am

Re: Re: Re: Re: What is really the truth
I'm pretty sure the examples he gave were places where you have an expectation of privacy.
Although I imagine the NFL would be very upset and definitely would want to call it a public performance if the superbowl was being shown in restrooms and locker rooms across the US
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Anonymoose Coward, 3 Feb 2012 @ 9:23pm

1st link in the 2nd paragraph is now 404'd.

People are becoming aware of our bullshit! Flee!
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Anonymouse Coward, 3 Feb 2012 @ 9:29pm

The same bit that spells out a 56' screen being infringement further goes on to state that watching in dolby 5.1 is infringement (more than 4 speakers in the same room).

Not sure if filled with absurd hilarity or unbridled rage.
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Feb 2012 @ 12:47am

Re: Re: Re: of course a church
you think there's a line? Really?
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Feb 2012 @ 12:49am

Re: Re: by la bête on Feb 2nd, 2007 @ 3:16am
My folks have a bar and they pay like 3 times the residential rate to have cable there.
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Feb 2012 @ 12:52am

Re: Collections?
I'm no christian but why shouldn't they be able to defray the cost of using the church to show the "big game?" The are, after all, a non profit organization trying to good the only way they know how.
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Feb 2012 @ 12:53am

Re: Re: Greedy
that's the ticket johnny.
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Feb 2012 @ 12:54am

Re: Re:
They pay inflated cable rates.
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sajad, 30 Mar 2012 @ 12:17pm

Re: Give it up, Spartacus
what was the cristan doing to you
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sajad, 30 Mar 2012 @ 12:17pm

Re: Give it up, Spartacus
what was the cristan doing to you
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sajad, 30 Mar 2012 @ 12:17pm

Re: Give it up, Spartacus
what was the cristan doing to you
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sajad, 30 Mar 2012 @ 12:18pm

Re: Re: Re: of course a church
what does med means
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sajad, 30 Mar 2012 @ 12:19pm

Re: Re: Re: of course a church
are you ok,of what
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Ruth Bryant White, 23 Jul 2012 @ 12:05pm

Are We Becoming A Communist Country?
I have seen it all. This article is letting us know that our time is limited. If you want to show something for a worthy cause you and get repay getting the food, and drinks and using your church or renting a spot to show something of importance, you cannot.

If you cannot regain the cost of getting a place where you can show a free video or film to the public, then friends we are already in a communist country. Someone needs to turn this law around to make it fair for everyone. If the NFL or anyone else allows you to see the program in your home then they should say nothing about how you do it or what size screen you show it on.

God, Please restore our country to some kind of sanity.
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vic., 23 Oct 2013 @ 9:56am

Re: Re: of course a church
Your a stupid athiest that realy needs to seek that invisable man. How could you dought someone you have never even tried to know. you have never seen santa but you tell your kids he's real.
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Abby, 22 Jan 2014 @ 9:04am

Re: of course a church
I agree with you 100% and couldn't have said it as well if I tried. I guess my tongue gets in the way a little too much when angered about something. This is extremely unfair and prejudice
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john delaney, 22 Jan 2014 @ 6:44pm

NFL broadcast
Bull s--t.. not a violation..ONLY if it is reproduced or displayed for profit...who is kidding who
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Richard Rehsler, 29 Jan 2014 @ 12:25am

Big Brother
Big Brother is watching you and your freedoms are being curtailed with every interpretation of every law. Our constitution (and the wording thereof) was written by lawyers and accountants with amendments by lobbyists. Of course any action that we take from here on will require a nominal fee to them for their services. It's what they do. They don't actually produce anything. Well, with the exception of debt - your debt.
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Jazz, 2 Feb 2014 @ 11:45am

Boycott
This is beyond ridiculous! I bet if everyone chose not to watch this on tv, they would think twice about what spews out of their mouths! I for one will not be watching it's a football game not the end of the world!
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Time Keeper, 2 Feb 2014 @ 1:33pm

Date of article and comments is 2007
What's up with the year 2007 on the date of the article and all the comments? Is this old news????
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David Ridge, 26 Jun 2014 @ 8:44pm

Watching Sports:
It is a CenturyLink commercial: The kid is sick so for the kid and dad to have quality time Dad sets the TV up outside using CL's equipment. How would this be ruled on?
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Dave, 9 Oct 2014 @ 9:02pm

The research done on this article is incomplete and a mistake. The copyright rules do not apply to people, only the corporate PERSON. Read the definition of PERSON in your local state and federal law. People are not persons but people can represent the PERSON because it is people that create law that create PERSON. Challenge me. Government has long pulled the wool over people's eyes using the PERSON.If you think the aforementioned is out there, you probably wouldnt believe that most people are not required to have a drivers license and that open carrying a pistol has never been illegal and never will be. Instead, they trick people into believing it's illegal to pay for permission to carry concealed. Concealed carry licenses mean they kno who has guns, what kins and how many and can have an easy alibi to shoot you if they make that mistake.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Oct 2014 @ 10:56am

Re: sad :(
That's really dumb and yeah its definitely just you.
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Anonymous Coward, 29 Dec 2014 @ 2:28pm

Re: of course a church
its just you.
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Accumulated, 29 Dec 2014 @ 10:46pm

By-Passing Legislature
Interesting topic: Manufacturer's should now lobby for a repeal of that law since we're seeing 72" screens for Private purposes.
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tracyanne (profile), 30 Dec 2014 @ 2:20am

Re: Re: Re: of course a church
I HAD RATHER LIVE LIKE THERE IS A GOD AND FIND OUT WHEN I DIE THERE ISN'T THAN TO LIVE LIKE THERE IS NO GOD (like you) AND FIND OUT THERE REALLY IS A GOD.

Ahh Pascal's Wager, which assumes that, that god would be the god your religion believes in. You'd be in a pickle if that god turned out to the god some other religion believes in. As it turns out you are as much an Atheist as I am, you just disbelieve in one fewer god than I do.

Back to the subject.

No it wasn't persecution of Christians or any other religionists. It was the stupid pointless mindless adherence to a stupid law designed by copyright maximalists, because god forbid anyone should share the enjoyment of their favourite sport, with friends and neighbours.
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mtspace, 30 Dec 2014 @ 6:41am

Kinect for XBox patent to charge if too many people in room to watch
Microsoft recently filed for a patent that uses the Kinect to spy on you, and block movies from playing if there are too many people sitting in front of your TV. “The users consuming the content on a display device are monitored so that if the number of user-views licensed is exceeded, remedial action may be taken.”
The Xbox One features, by default, an always-on, works-in-the-dark, microphone and camera that’s constantly connected to the internet. http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/139706-microsofts-new-kinect-patent-goes-big-brother-will-spy-on-y ou-for-the-mpaa
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CJ, 1 Jan 2015 @ 1:39pm

Time to quit watching it then
If Americans were smart and disciplines to not put up with this crap and pay for cable, direct TV etc. It would all be free to us again.

What would it take 90 days six months.

Free to air of nothing.
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CJ, 1 Jan 2015 @ 1:41pm

Time to quit watching
Make that Free to air OR nothing please
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Mikey7a (profile), 27 Feb 2015 @ 8:38pm

Re: The Big Game
What a superlative comment junglejim! As one of those guys who likes to watch a game, maybe two a week during football season, you know, we with our heads in the sand(I read about 3-4 hours of world news from different sources every day), ignoring our families(Miami Sports have been a family event for me since I was a kid, and am a retired Grand Dad now), I prefer to believe that as Progressive Americans, we can have some fun, with our Family, and yet, still care that The House and Senate are willing to shut down HOMELAND SECURITY, just to spite that awful Black guy in The White House! EZ where you cast those first stones ok?
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Anonymous Coward, 1 Mar 2016 @ 8:20am

this is no help
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Clayton Berry, 18 Nov 2016 @ 6:23am

UNENFORCABLE
Sure, if you're a bar or a venue, this is against the law, but in a private home, DO IT. There is no cops going door to door on superbowl sunday, and asking you if you've got friends over watching the game on a tv bigger than 55". So just do it, the law can't be and won't ever be enforced for PRIVATE home use. So do it anyway!
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code man, 28 Nov 2016 @ 8:26pm

This is the dumbest thing I've read all day...how stupid can you be if you think you will get in trouble for watching a live broadcast...now TIVO and record it and rebroadcast it, charging admission and you might get in a little trouble...NFL SUX anyway..watch FOOTBALL!!
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