DataCo has warned forum administrators about the use of 'Player/Match Action Images and Club Crest' avatars as they feel they may breach club copyright.
The sort of avatar they are worried about is, for example, is use of the club crest. In Hereford United's case that would mean the 'logo' with the Bull in the middle.
The Football Forum is one of the sites targetted by DataCo. They recently received an e-mail requesting that avatars using club crests be removed. In theory that request could also apply to any image taken inside a League ground and used without the required permission.
Lord Football, a Southend fan and one of the admin of the Football Forum, has started a campaign aimed at getting all clubs to agree that these 'club type' avatars can be used on forums such as Bulls Banter.
DATACO now instruct us that we are not allowed to use club crests in our avatars and that we must seek permission. This is just another money grabbing tactic which only serves to widen the gulf between clubs and ordinary supporters like us.
So, we seek permission. We all need to contact our clubs via email. We need to ask them permission to use the club crest in your avatar on this board.
I will pin a list in each forum of each club. This will detail when they have been contacted and what response they give. Clubs who refuse will be named and shamed.
It is understood that Hereford United have been asked for permission. As yet no news of a reply have been posted on The Football Forum.
Meanwhile some websites and forums might get around any ban by moving their server to the Far East suggested one poster.
A lot of offshore hosts categorically state that they will not comply with legal requests, nor divulge information about any of their clients. This is not possible with UK hosts, because all hosting providers are subject to UK law. But move to somewhere like the Far East, and it becomes extremely difficult for UK based organisations to touch you.
To date Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers have agreed to supporters requests to be able to use club avatars on forums.
Those saying no include Barnet, Derby, Bristol City and Southampton.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Away At Radcliffe In The League On Saturday January 25th Kick Off 3.00pm