Freddie,
Sue Beach was using animated .gif files on the Loudoun County web page. I
don't know if you are aware of it but animated .gif files are copyrighted.
There was an article in the news recently about a company that owns the
copyright to them and they were charging people for using them on their web
pages. I don't think they were interested in little guys like Rootsweb but
they were going after big companies like American Express, etc. They were
charging $5,000 for a license fee to use them. Out of copyright infringement
fears, I removed them from the Loudoun County web page and changed the web
page design. I recently received a complaint (which I welcome any
complaints, comments and suggestions from the people using the page) that I
changed the designed and took away the animated .gifs. The individual has a
hard time seeing the page and he said that he enjoyed having the animation
there to help him find things. Can you tell me what the Rootsweb rules are
for using the animated .gifs? I never used animated .gifs before but I want
to make sure I'm not violating any copyright laws. Thanks,
Wayne Greene
Loudoun County Coordinator