[DownYonder]

Did you guys see this?

http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=17951

I haven't seen the site, but it sounds like it is pretty much a copy of the centerlinescores.com site.

I am little bit disgusted to think that instead of doing the right thing and buying Centerlinescores from its creator, USDF elected to steal the concept.

[Equibrit]

How flakey is that ?

[Melyni]

Interesting, wonder why they didn't just buy Centerline scores, I am sure that there is a reason. Who knows if it is a good one.
MW

[SGray]

gosh I hope Jay S has a copyright on his site and can block the USDFs blatant reproduction of his work

[netg]

I suspect if he tries, they can go right back after him in court for his use of pay-only data.

[SGray]

wonder if they will try to cut off his access......

[DownYonder]

I suspect if he tries, they can go right back after him in court for his use of pay-only data.

But the data is available to all members - and there is no "usage agreement" the viewer has to agree to before the data is displayed. Anyone with access to the data (i.e., any member) could have written a program to pull the info the same as Centerlinescores.

[Dramapony_misty]

But the data is available to all members - and there is no "usage agreement" the viewer has to agree to before the data is displayed. Anyone with access to the data (i.e., any member) could have written a program to pull the info the same as Centerlinescores.

Maybe it's people like me...not a member of any organization yet...being able to see scores that I would otherwise have to pay a membership fee to see.

I love centerline scores and will probably use them first before looking at the USDF site (even when I do finally become a member). Maybe he needs to sell some banner ads or something on there. Make a little income to make it worth his while.

[PrettyBayMare]

The degree to which USDF copied Centerline´s format is slimy. The only thing they added were judges´ names.

USDF should be embarrassed.

[netg]

Then again, they could have documented history showing they had this format long before centerlinescores.com can show they had a design. It could be a template used by some database designers.

I don't know. Just playing devil's advocate because we don't know all the details, and since the article was written in an anti-USDF tone it's natural to blame them and think they're terrible.

[Velvet]

Whatever. Centerline was using the USDF data, for crying out loud! They don't owe him a single thing. It's their database. I hope they shut him off from the information, permanently.

[Velvet]

wonder if they will try to cut off his access......

Just saw your post. I really hope they do!

[Equibrit]

Whatever. Centerline was using the USDF data, for crying out loud! They don't owe him a single thing. It's their database. I hope they shut him off from the information, permanently.

It is USDF members' data.

[Velvet]

It is USDF members' data.

Agreed. Thus the information is paid for by members and should only be available to members.

[mbm]

why?

[goodpony]

The USDF site has some additional features not on centerline-some charting features which are 'pretty'.

[Velvet]

why?

To pay for said database, people to enter the information into it and for any upgrades that will have to take place in the future.

[Dramapony_misty]

To pay for said database, people to enter the information into it and for any upgrades that will have to take place in the future.

But if someone is willing to volunteer their time to put it all together for free...why not?
If I want pretty graphs or more in-depth info, then yes...I should have to pay for it.

[Velvet]

The data is not free to the members and should be fully controlled by the USDF. I can see no benefit to the MEMBERS nor organization by having it free to the general public.

[ise@ssl]

So all Centerline has to do is buy a membership. His site is already in existence and all he would be doing is updating it. And Bravo to Centerline for getting the USDF off their proverbial butts with respect to providing performance data on horses and riders. They should have been doing that decades ago.