Postby alihms » Tue May 11, 2010 12:27 pm
This is a great shock to me. What had happened? Maybe can we all should cool down a bit. Other company copy MFM data is something that is bound to happen. Sooner or later. After all the data is freely available and can be easily reverse-engineered. We just have to be prepared and deal with it. But most importantly, MFM itself should not be shaken by it. Seeing most senior members retiring is indeed unsettling and throws MFM into a crisis. A deep crisis actually. If not handled properly, it can make the entire effort of contributing members go down the drain. We don’t want that to happen. Do we?
I admire MFM for its noble cause – providing free maps to anyone. A true community spirit. But with one caveat - no commercial use. Apparently, this is the issue that causes all the mayhem. The straw that broke the camel’s back. I know it is premature at this point in time, but I’m going to say it anyway. Why don’t MFM tweak its core values a bit? Allow the data to be used by anyone – the general public, companies, governments, research institutions. Basically everybody. So long it is within the laws (of Malaysia / Singapore and other relevant entities). Everybody can use the map data, modify it, re-distribute it or even make profit out of it. The only condition MFM imposes is to the user attributes back the credit to MFM and whenever possible, provide feedback to improve the existing data. Essentially, this creates a level playing field to everyone. If company A can benefit from it, so can company B. If some seniors members decide to form a company C and use the map data, go ahead. Everybody gains in the long run.
There are legalities involved here. The data was contributed under the earlier condition – only for personal, non-commercial, use. So, changing it to free-for-all violates this condition and betrays the earlier contributors effort and goodwill. But hopefully, the members can work out the details.
I know this is a crazy idea. Shoot me! Or delete this posting! I won’t fight back – there’s no need for it. I’m just providing an option for members to consider. That’s all.
Why is antyong retired?
Can somebody explain. He is not that old. I'm almost 69 but "not retired." i.e. in MFM.
How can the BIG BOSS retire?
Skywalker
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MFM maps are superb and have helped me & my staff in many situations; where possible I try to get as many POIs and updated road information for submission (told my staff they have to do the same since MFM has make their lives simpler when it comes to despatching/going to unknown places).
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
