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Just ask them for a job, god knows they could use you( or, they obviously use you).
javamartini on September 28, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Heh. Perhaps, Treacher should consider a career in comedy writing because that is the only portion of that sketchshow that was actually funny.
terryannonline on September 28, 2008 at 11:31 PM
FIFY
HawaiiLwyr on September 28, 2008 at 11:34 PM
It’s time for the treacha’ to to take a little drive to NYC and have a word or two wit da man at SNL and set em’ staight.
If you get my meanin’, if ya catch ma drift.
Well, the bit where McCain says he’s undermined President Bush any chance he had, just ask the Republicans, was great too. Wonder who else they’ve been stealing from.
Like Treacher, I once saw a picture of Tina Fey on the Internet that I thought was very attractive… until I realized I was actually looking at a mislabled picture of Lisa Loeb from ten years ago minimum.
Stupid Internet.
Dude, seriously: You’ve made a pretty good case for infringement and you don’t have to be the Assitant Manager at the local Geek Squad desk to go through the firewall logs at 30 Rock to find out if someone hit your site prior to the show’s original airdate.
I am sure that every writer on SNL is a WGA member so unless the Guild just told the staff writers on that show that working for Lorne Michaels was so awesome for your long-term career that you must take it up the pooper for no royalties, there’s gonna be someone that stole your jokes who will get a check from sales of this Christmas’ hottest selling “The Best of SNL Election 2008″ DVD from Broadway Video Prods/NBC Uni.
Had it been a lib making the claim, you wouldn’t have doubted it, hypocrite.
MadisonConservative on September 29, 2008 at 12:07 AM
———-
If you knew anything at all about comedy you’d know the claim is baseless.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Yeah, Treacher was the first to come up with that joke. Righhhhhhhhhtt.
Dave Rywall on September 28, 2008 at 11:59 PM
I’d like to see you prove he didn’t.
C’mon! Use your blazing fast yet affordable Canadian broadband to source your claim that Jim Treacher’s blog was not the first published/performed instance of this joke and then, why, you’ll show us won’t you, eh?
Until then, you’re just mocking an individual’s rights to their intellectual property on the Internet. Not surprising that would be your attitude, since Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, noted that Canada is “well behind” most developed countries in the realm of digital theft of intellectual property.
By the way, you’ll be sure to let us know when the new April Wine CD coming out, eh?
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:28 AM
——
Who’s there, an anonymous internet nerd who thinks he came up with a comedy bit that was ripped off by SNL?
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 12:31 AM
ge treacher, surely you didnt have ANY outside influence when writing up your little ditty, right? It was ALL original thought?
You’re right, I did have to look up the spelling of “Ahmadinejad.” Excellent point.
IF thats the case, than maybe you ought to encourage the grumps here to afford other people the same right to original thought.
The idea is obvious enough to have had multiple originations, but the similarity of the actual dialog is fairly compelling. I say Treacher’s been robbed.
Infidoll on September 29, 2008 at 12:36 AM
If you knew anything at all about comedy you’d know the claim is baseless.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Oh, yes. My years of amateur stage acting and writing are nothing compared to your…what, exactly?
Don’t challenge my credentials, quit being a worthless little partisan Obama’s throne-sniffing troll, and man up when you have nothing to back up your side of the argument. You haven’t provided any evidence of anything else coming up with the situation used on SNL, you gutless worm.
Im not suggesting that at all. On the contrary you seem to want to argue that something you wrote was original. What part of it was so original?
The part where money is mentioned? Nope, sorry.
The part where someone pulls a race card? nope, sorry.
You might have a kindred spirit at SNL, but you werent copied, anymore than you did any copying.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:38 AM
Dave once again stops commenting when he can’t substantiate his claims.
terryannonline on September 29, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Well, he could try to dodge any follow-ups and then declare the debate he began on whether or not Treacher is the original intellectual property owner over by posting an unrelated question. But that would easily be the intellectually weakest and most desperate tactic anyone wou–
You realize that when we run tracert on all of these “Treacher your not original or funny and you smell and can’t win this case if you dare try go in court!!1!” commenters, they will all go back to Seth Meyers’ IP address.
Except for Rywall. That’ll go to Kevin McDonald’s iMac.
whats your problem? I disagree with the general consensus around here and ask you to provide anything you said was original, so you want to pick a personal fight with me??
I’m so sorry you couldnt have a 10000% pity party here.
You even quoted something I typed that was directed at someone else, clearly.
The fact is that what you wrote is similar, as a whole. I’ll grant that.. but guess what, its Not plagerism.
If youre interested in what plagerism looks like please review comment #31 on the page I linked to above. In fact, barring that, most of HA regulars already ought to know it, theyve spent days talking about Biden and plagerism
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:12 AM
>> Damn …
You folks need to get a new routing. You call anyone who doesnt fall into your little fold or an obamabot. Its getting really old in the comments.
I thought the Republican party had room for people to disagree. Oh wait..
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:14 AM
routing == routine
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:14 AM
.. doesnt fall into your little fold a troll or an obamabot …
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:15 AM
whats your problem? I disagree with the general consensus around here and ask you to provide anything you said was original, so you want to pick a personal fight with me??
Aw, I’m sorry. Let’s be friends.
The fact is that what you wrote is similar, as a whole. I’ll grant that.. but guess what, its Not plagerism.
Ah, but is it plagiarism? (That was a rhetorical question; we already know your opinion.)
If youre interested in what plagerism looks like please review comment #31 on the page I linked to above. In fact, barring that, most of HA regulars already ought to know it, theyve spent days talking about Biden and plagerism
You certainly seem to think you’re an expert on a subject you can’t even spell. Whoops, was that too personal?
oh im sorry, I typod the A in plagarism …will your life ever be the same?
honestly, if the very best you can do to defend your point is to lodge petty little personal attacks on someone that disagrees with you, then you’ve lost before you have even started.
That ought to be a familiar feeling for the folks around here though given what the comments around here have turned into.
.. and oh yeah, dare I say the polls, and the state of the Republican candidates, and .. and .. and …
For what’s its worth, Im in the middle of a move and on my laptop.. which has a considerably smaller keyboard than my normal pc.
That said, i urge you to google “spelling police” .. You take care now, Ive had a long day and this childish crap is your gig not mine.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:32 AM
I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on TV, but being a professional commercial photographer since I was 20, (38 years now), gives me a little better understanding of how “intellectual property” works.
ge treacher, surely you didnt have ANY outside influence when writing up your little ditty, right? It was ALL original thought?
IF thats the case, than maybe you ought to encourage the grumps here to afford other people the same right to original thought.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Disappointingly weak finish.
You take care now, Ive had a long day and this childish crap is your gig not mine.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:32 AM
Conclusion? Take a pass on this cheap whine.
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 1:39 AM
Jim beats me by two minutes. This is why he’s getting ripped off by SNL, and i’m just commenting about it.
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 1:40 AM
“Good evening. Tonight’s top story: It has been over 35 comments and counting since intellectual property rights opponents attacked Jim Treacher’s claim as originator of the contested “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit used without citation by Saturday Night Live. To date, the intellectual property rights opponents have not posted verifiable proof to back up their smears. We will bring you updates on ‘ProofWatch 2008′ as they happen…”
I’m not certain, but the concept of using the race card on a rogue dictator for leverage seems pretty original. And a lot of the language was nearly verbatim.
Hey your_worst_enemy, there’s a difference between plagiarism and copyright infringement, as has been duly pointed out above.
And you seemed like a troll, so I said so. There are plenty of dissenters here, people who disagree. That’s why threads on police brutality and religion get like 10 times as many comments as threads about campaign finance reform. People have opinions that disagree. People like you and Drywall come off as trolls because you create fights where they would otherwise not be. Normal dissenters here would say something like,
“Eh, I’m not so sure, Treacher, that seems like something an SNL writer might be able to come up with.” Trolls say things like,
“are you ppl on crack?
Obama himself is the one that started the whole dollar bill thing.”
Treacher cracks me up. But, I have to say, I find the brainless postings of y_w_e & Drywall side splittingly hilarious.
Tho I’m sure that’s not their intent.
soundingboard on September 29, 2008 at 2:14 AM
I like that you guys actually beat the trolls.
I wish I could complement you more on your abilities, but I think it’s more a comment on the trolls! Drywall, _enemy … come on guys. That was weak! Was that really the best you could do? Show us some real trolling!
apollyonbob on September 29, 2008 at 2:27 AM
Treacher,
You might be onto something – sure has a lot of similiarities in the basic themes and even down to some of the dialog. As Jimmy correctly notes, there is a difference between plagiarism and copyright infringement. In this case, we’re talking copyright infringement as you essentially wrote a “script.” Thus, it’s an issue of derivation of the concept and basic dialog of the script – verbatim copying is not necessarily needed for copyright infringement.
The rub is a correct cause of action and enforcement. NBC undoubtedly has an army of entertainment/copyright lawyers at their disposal and the deep pockets to pay them well. Also, copyright law has become an uncertain area with recent case law being inconsistent. Wish it wasn’t the case, but without good representation (i.e., $$$), the little guy typically gets screwed here. You might want to look at chapters 1 and 5 of Title 17 of the U.S. Code if you’re interested as to what cause of action you might have.
sertillanges on September 29, 2008 at 2:43 AM
It’s late and I have been watching tv – and I am pissed I missed this debate. Jim, as a lawyer, but the non-intellectual-property type I did not see any evidence from the trolls to contradict your claim of original thought. Keep going Mr. Treacher – you are awesome.
HawaiiLwyr on September 29, 2008 at 2:47 AM
sertillanges on September 29, 2008 at 2:43 AM
Good analysis. I shall review the citations to educate myself further – you never know when it will come in handy. Thanks!
HawaiiLwyr on September 29, 2008 at 2:50 AM
your_worst_enemy
Dave Rywall
Why can’t anyone just talk and have a thread about the similarity of Mr. Treachers’ work and the skit? You guys get your drawers in a bunch over everything. SHUT UP and let people have fun with it. You must be the most miserable people to be around.
Cindy Munford on September 29, 2008 at 6:08 AM
Well if SNL is stealing Treacher’s material there is hope the show might become funny again.
rbj on September 29, 2008 at 7:58 AM
What’s more likely, that SNL writers came up with this joke on their own or that they read Jim Treacher’s site?
People have similar ideas all the time. It’s much more likely that they came up with the joke on their own. I do find it quite amusing that Treacher has enough hubris to truly believe he was ripped off.
Tom_Shipley on September 29, 2008 at 9:05 AM
I could show you a thousand ads from different parts of the world that look identical yet were conceived independently of each other. Get over yourselves.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Liberals live and operate without any type of Moral Code.
Elizabetty on September 29, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Liberals live and operate without any type of Moral Code.
Elizabetty on September 29, 2008 at 9:26 AM
———
THIS is comedy gold.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:32 AM
I could show you a thousand ads from different parts of the world that look identical yet were conceived independently of each other. Get over yourselves.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:14 AM
If you can show us a thousand, surely you can show us just one. Waiting for a link…
Cuffy Meigs on September 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM
—-
That you’re too stupid to use the link may be more comedy gold does not change the fact that that is not my problem.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Get ‘em, Jimmie! Go sue the barstids!
We’re behind ya alla way! Well, sorta…
mojo on September 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Oh I “used” your link. The content there was worthless and did nothing to advance your claim re: the thousands of identical ads.
I’m not certain, but the concept of using the race card on a rogue dictator for leverage seems pretty original. And a lot of the language was nearly verbatim.
The concept is not copyrightable. However, the way in which the concept is expressed, is. And that is what’s strikingly similar here. SNL might have changed some of the details, but the way that the joke is expressed (e.g., “I get it”; “what you’re really saying”; “I understand”; etc.) is so close as to be very persuasive.
If Jim sued, he’d need to register the copyright first. And he’d ultimately have to prove not only similarity, but that the writer(s) had access to his blog and more likely than not did access it. It’s probably worth at least talking to a lawyer and sending a demand letter.
Alex_SF on September 29, 2008 at 10:55 AM
I could show you a thousand ads from different parts of the world that look identical yet were conceived independently of each other.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Your statement neither offers factual evidence of your original smear against Treacher that he isn’t the originator of the joke we’ve been discussing during the last 80+ posts nor does address the fact that an independent discovery, when used without malicious intent or for monetary/personal gain, is not actionable and credit for the discovery is shared/administered by a governing body. An example of this in practice is when the International Astronomical Union allows the names of the two scientists that independently discover a comet at the same time in two different labs to attach both of their names to the comet.
As usual, you’re proving to be intellectually ill-equipped to comment about yet another subject on HotAir.com. Source your original claims that Treacher is not the original writer of the “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit or you are de facto admitting that you are wrong.
Your statement neither offers factual evidence of your original smear against Treacher that he isn’t the originator of the joke we’ve been discussing during the last 80+ posts nor does address the fact that an independent discovery, when used without malicious intent or for monetary/personal gain, is not actionable and credit for the discovery is shared/administered by a governing body. An example of this in practice is when the International Astronomical Union allows the names of the two scientists that independently discover a comet at the same time in two different labs to attach both of their names to the comet.
As usual, you’re proving to be intellectually ill-equipped to comment about yet another subject on HotAir.com. Source your original claims that Treacher is not the original writer of the “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit or you are de facto admitting that you are wrong.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
————-
Ipso facto habeus scooby doo to you, Captain Paralegal.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 1:49 PM
What’s more likely, that SNL writers came up with this joke on their own or that they read Jim Treacher’s site?
Like I said, I’ve been getting links from places like the Washington Post and the NYT. It’s just a fact. So it’s not outside the realm of possibility that somebody looking for Obama material could have seen that. You’re working on a sketch about something that happened 24 hours earlier, you need to come up with something quick… hey, it’s just the Internet, right? Why not?
The news uses bloggers as unpaid researchers all the time. But somehow this is far-fetched?
I do find it quite amusing that Treacher has enough hubris to truly believe he was ripped off.
Tom_Shipley on September 29, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Glad to be of service. Sorry to confuse you with facts and evidence.
As usual, you’re proving to be intellectually ill-equipped to comment about yet another subject on HotAir.com. Source your original claims that Treacher is not the original writer of the “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit or you are de facto admitting that you are wrong.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
————-
Ipso facto habeus scooby doo to you, Captain Paralegal.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 1:49 PM
A nonsensical way to admit you have always been wrong about this subject Rywall, but the world has been conditioned for decades to just expect less from Canadians.
Blowback
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Maybe Treacher will get to sleep with Tina Fey as payment?
lorien1973 on September 28, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Punishment, you mean?
Jim Treacher on September 28, 2008 at 11:18 PM
I felt ripped off having to sit throught that 1st singing portion. Good lord.
SouthernGent on September 28, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Copyright infringement is the sincerest form of flattery.
CanadianGuy on September 28, 2008 at 11:23 PM
I sure thought so when I heard it.
The Monster on September 28, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Treacher should go all Joe Rogan on their asses.
Editor on September 28, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Heh. Perhaps, Treacher should consider a career in comedy writing because that is the only portion of that sketch that was actually funny.
terryannonline on September 28, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Just ask them for a job, god knows they could use you( or, they obviously use you).
javamartini on September 28, 2008 at 11:31 PM
FIFY
HawaiiLwyr on September 28, 2008 at 11:34 PM
It’s time for the treacha’ to to take a little drive to NYC and have a word or two wit da man at SNL and set em’ staight.
If you get my meanin’, if ya catch ma drift.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on September 28, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Well, the bit where McCain says he’s undermined President Bush any chance he had, just ask the Republicans, was great too. Wonder who else they’ve been stealing from.
Keljeck on September 28, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Of course, but the media powers that be won’t give a crap.
jimmy the notable on September 28, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Like Treacher, I once saw a picture of Tina Fey on the Internet that I thought was very attractive… until I realized I was actually looking at a mislabled picture of Lisa Loeb from ten years ago minimum.
Stupid Internet.
Dude, seriously: You’ve made a pretty good case for infringement and you don’t have to be the Assitant Manager at the local Geek Squad desk to go through the firewall logs at 30 Rock to find out if someone hit your site prior to the show’s original airdate.
I am sure that every writer on SNL is a WGA member so unless the Guild just told the staff writers on that show that working for Lorne Michaels was so awesome for your long-term career that you must take it up the pooper for no royalties, there’s gonna be someone that stole your jokes who will get a check from sales of this Christmas’ hottest selling “The Best of SNL Election 2008″ DVD from Broadway Video Prods/NBC Uni.
Like I said: Sue, young Jimmy! Sue like the wind!
ScottMcC on September 28, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Yeah, Treacher was the first to come up with that joke. Righhhhhhhhhtt.
Dave Rywall on September 28, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Who did, then? Cite, please.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Had it been a lib making the claim, you wouldn’t have doubted it, hypocrite.
MadisonConservative on September 29, 2008 at 12:07 AM
He won’t cite anything because he can’t.
aengus on September 29, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Had it been a lib making the claim, you wouldn’t have doubted it, hypocrite.
MadisonConservative on September 29, 2008 at 12:07 AM
———-
If you knew anything at all about comedy you’d know the claim is baseless.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 12:17 AM
I’d like to see you prove he didn’t.
C’mon! Use your blazing fast yet affordable Canadian broadband to source your claim that Jim Treacher’s blog was not the first published/performed instance of this joke and then, why, you’ll show us won’t you, eh?
Until then, you’re just mocking an individual’s rights to their intellectual property on the Internet. Not surprising that would be your attitude, since Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, noted that Canada is “well behind” most developed countries in the realm of digital theft of intellectual property.
By the way, you’ll be sure to let us know when the new April Wine CD coming out, eh?
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Knock knock.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Please explain why it is a baseless claim.
terryannonline on September 29, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Dave once again stops commenting when he can’t substantiate his claims.
terryannonline on September 29, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Actually, please go for it and chase SNL down with your claim.
That would be the goldest of comedy gold.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Knock knock.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:28 AM
are you ppl on crack?
Obama himself is the one that started the whole dollar bill thing.
Get over it.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=obama+dollar+bills+quote&btnG=Google+Search&aq=2&oq=obama+dollar+bills
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Let me know when Rush gives me credit for Operation Chaos.
Connie on September 29, 2008 at 12:29 AM
ge treacher, surely you didnt have ANY outside influence when writing up your little ditty, right? It was ALL original thought?
IF thats the case, than maybe you ought to encourage the grumps here to afford other people the same right to original thought.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Next are you going to say that no Obama joke is original because it’s his name?
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Knock knock.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:28 AM
——
Who’s there, an anonymous internet nerd who thinks he came up with a comedy bit that was ripped off by SNL?
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 12:31 AM
You’re right, I did have to look up the spelling of “Ahmadinejad.” Excellent point.
A cogent point, clearly stated.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Rywallsux.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:34 AM
The idea is obvious enough to have had multiple originations, but the similarity of the actual dialog is fairly compelling. I say Treacher’s been robbed.
Infidoll on September 29, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Oh, yes. My years of amateur stage acting and writing are nothing compared to your…what, exactly?
Don’t challenge my credentials, quit being a worthless little partisan Obama’s throne-sniffing troll, and man up when you have nothing to back up your side of the argument. You haven’t provided any evidence of anything else coming up with the situation used on SNL, you gutless worm.
MadisonConservative on September 29, 2008 at 12:38 AM
>> Next are you going to say …
Im not suggesting that at all. On the contrary you seem to want to argue that something you wrote was original. What part of it was so original?
The part where money is mentioned? Nope, sorry.
The part where someone pulls a race card? nope, sorry.
You might have a kindred spirit at SNL, but you werent copied, anymore than you did any copying.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:38 AM
Well, he could try to dodge any follow-ups and then declare the debate he began on whether or not Treacher is the original intellectual property owner over by posting an unrelated question. But that would easily be the intellectually weakest and most desperate tactic anyone wou–
Oh wait. I see that’s already happened.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:40 AM
I also used words that can be found in any English dictionary on the planet. I didn’t even invent the phrase “nuclear weapons”! Damn, you’re good.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Rywall, is it physically impossible for you to pull your head out of your ass?
Just wondering.
Because I take it easy on disabled people.
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 12:43 AM
I take it you’re not a copyright lawyer.
What do I win?
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 12:44 AM
youre a regular nuclear reactor, scott. did you miss the part where it was asked that he provide proof? oh wait, that WAS you right, that asked…
go sit down.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Holy Clarence Darrow! Who knew there this many supahstar entertainment lawyers moonlighting as commenters on HotAir.com?
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Your mind is like a diamond that has been crushed underneath several tons of raw sewage. Which I mean in a good way.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 12:51 AM
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/09/28/mccain-palin-letterman-and-snl-what-a-week/
Now THATS funny; there’s your girl folks.
>> Your mind …
Pure comedic genius treacher, not. dont quit your day job.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Don’t forget to put up your hand and demand I talk to it!
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 1:02 AM
You realize that when we run tracert on all of these “Treacher your not original or funny and you smell and can’t win this case if you dare try go in court!!1!” commenters, they will all go back to Seth Meyers’ IP address.
Except for Rywall. That’ll go to Kevin McDonald’s iMac.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Damn, Treacher, you sure have a talent for bringing out the trolls.
jimmy the notable on September 29, 2008 at 1:11 AM
One hundred comments or BUST, my friend!
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 1:12 AM
whats your problem? I disagree with the general consensus around here and ask you to provide anything you said was original, so you want to pick a personal fight with me??
I’m so sorry you couldnt have a 10000% pity party here.
You even quoted something I typed that was directed at someone else, clearly.
The fact is that what you wrote is similar, as a whole. I’ll grant that.. but guess what, its Not plagerism.
If youre interested in what plagerism looks like please review comment #31 on the page I linked to above. In fact, barring that, most of HA regulars already ought to know it, theyve spent days talking about Biden and plagerism
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:12 AM
>> Damn …
You folks need to get a new routing. You call anyone who doesnt fall into your little fold or an obamabot. Its getting really old in the comments.
I thought the Republican party had room for people to disagree. Oh wait..
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:14 AM
routing == routine
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:14 AM
.. doesnt fall into your little fold a troll or an obamabot …
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Aw, I’m sorry. Let’s be friends.
Ah, but is it plagiarism? (That was a rhetorical question; we already know your opinion.)
You certainly seem to think you’re an expert on a subject you can’t even spell. Whoops, was that too personal?
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 1:24 AM
One thing’s for sure: Treacher is definitely not a victim of “plagerism.”
But, he did git sited for “publick intoxicashun” and had to go to jale for to daze.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 1:24 AM
oh im sorry, I typod the A in plagarism …will your life ever be the same?
honestly, if the very best you can do to defend your point is to lodge petty little personal attacks on someone that disagrees with you, then you’ve lost before you have even started.
That ought to be a familiar feeling for the folks around here though given what the comments around here have turned into.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:28 AM
You are a treasure. I mean trezhir.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 1:30 AM
.. and oh yeah, dare I say the polls, and the state of the Republican candidates, and .. and .. and …
For what’s its worth, Im in the middle of a move and on my laptop.. which has a considerably smaller keyboard than my normal pc.
That said, i urge you to google “spelling police” .. You take care now, Ive had a long day and this childish crap is your gig not mine.
your_worst_enemy on September 29, 2008 at 1:32 AM
I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on TV, but being a professional commercial photographer since I was 20, (38 years now), gives me a little better understanding of how “intellectual property” works.
One of the Beatles a few years back got nailed for millions of $$$ for even “sounding” like another song.
For you yutes out there. The Beatles was a popular rock band from England for 20+ years.
Folks get very fussy about what has been created by them and then goobled up by others and getting the credit for it.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on September 29, 2008 at 1:33 AM
Can we bronze this?
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 1:33 AM
Dare. Dare!
Plus, you’re you.
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Opening statement:
Closing statement:
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Strong, snarky start
Disappointingly weak finish.
Conclusion? Take a pass on this cheap whine.
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 1:39 AM
Jim beats me by two minutes. This is why he’s getting ripped off by SNL, and i’m just commenting about it.
TexasDan on September 29, 2008 at 1:40 AM
“Good evening. Tonight’s top story: It has been over 35 comments and counting since intellectual property rights opponents attacked Jim Treacher’s claim as originator of the contested “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit used without citation by Saturday Night Live. To date, the intellectual property rights opponents have not posted verifiable proof to back up their smears. We will bring you updates on ‘ProofWatch 2008′ as they happen…”
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 1:46 AM
I’m not certain, but the concept of using the race card on a rogue dictator for leverage seems pretty original. And a lot of the language was nearly verbatim.
Free Constitution on September 29, 2008 at 1:50 AM
TexasDan = Pure awesome.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 1:56 AM
Hey your_worst_enemy, there’s a difference between plagiarism and copyright infringement, as has been duly pointed out above.
And you seemed like a troll, so I said so. There are plenty of dissenters here, people who disagree. That’s why threads on police brutality and religion get like 10 times as many comments as threads about campaign finance reform. People have opinions that disagree. People like you and Drywall come off as trolls because you create fights where they would otherwise not be. Normal dissenters here would say something like,
“Eh, I’m not so sure, Treacher, that seems like something an SNL writer might be able to come up with.” Trolls say things like,
“are you ppl on crack?
Obama himself is the one that started the whole dollar bill thing.”
jimmy the notable on September 29, 2008 at 2:04 AM
Reminds me of these guys.
With Treacher in the role of rabbit.
Treacher cracks me up. But, I have to say, I find the brainless postings of y_w_e & Drywall side splittingly hilarious.
Tho I’m sure that’s not their intent.
soundingboard on September 29, 2008 at 2:14 AM
I like that you guys actually beat the trolls.
I wish I could complement you more on your abilities, but I think it’s more a comment on the trolls! Drywall, _enemy … come on guys. That was weak! Was that really the best you could do? Show us some real trolling!
apollyonbob on September 29, 2008 at 2:27 AM
Treacher,
You might be onto something – sure has a lot of similiarities in the basic themes and even down to some of the dialog. As Jimmy correctly notes, there is a difference between plagiarism and copyright infringement. In this case, we’re talking copyright infringement as you essentially wrote a “script.” Thus, it’s an issue of derivation of the concept and basic dialog of the script – verbatim copying is not necessarily needed for copyright infringement.
The rub is a correct cause of action and enforcement. NBC undoubtedly has an army of entertainment/copyright lawyers at their disposal and the deep pockets to pay them well. Also, copyright law has become an uncertain area with recent case law being inconsistent. Wish it wasn’t the case, but without good representation (i.e., $$$), the little guy typically gets screwed here. You might want to look at chapters 1 and 5 of Title 17 of the U.S. Code if you’re interested as to what cause of action you might have.
sertillanges on September 29, 2008 at 2:43 AM
It’s late and I have been watching tv – and I am pissed I missed this debate. Jim, as a lawyer, but the non-intellectual-property type I did not see any evidence from the trolls to contradict your claim of original thought. Keep going Mr. Treacher – you are awesome.
HawaiiLwyr on September 29, 2008 at 2:47 AM
Good analysis. I shall review the citations to educate myself further – you never know when it will come in handy. Thanks!
HawaiiLwyr on September 29, 2008 at 2:50 AM
your_worst_enemy
Dave Rywall
Why can’t anyone just talk and have a thread about the similarity of Mr. Treachers’ work and the skit? You guys get your drawers in a bunch over everything. SHUT UP and let people have fun with it. You must be the most miserable people to be around.
Cindy Munford on September 29, 2008 at 6:08 AM
Well if SNL is stealing Treacher’s material there is hope the show might become funny again.
rbj on September 29, 2008 at 7:58 AM
What’s more likely, that SNL writers came up with this joke on their own or that they read Jim Treacher’s site?
People have similar ideas all the time. It’s much more likely that they came up with the joke on their own. I do find it quite amusing that Treacher has enough hubris to truly believe he was ripped off.
Tom_Shipley on September 29, 2008 at 9:05 AM
I could show you a thousand ads from different parts of the world that look identical yet were conceived independently of each other. Get over yourselves.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Liberals live and operate without any type of Moral Code.
Elizabetty on September 29, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Liberals live and operate without any type of Moral Code.
Elizabetty on September 29, 2008 at 9:26 AM
———
THIS is comedy gold.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:32 AM
If you can show us a thousand, surely you can show us just one. Waiting for a link…
Cuffy Meigs on September 29, 2008 at 9:37 AM
http://www.coloribus.com
Bye bye now.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Dance!
btw, that was a worthless link.
Trydance harder.Cuffy Meigs on September 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Rywallsux who?
Abby Adams on September 29, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Dance!
btw, that was a worthless link.
Try dance harder.
Cuffy Meigs on September 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM
—-
That you’re too stupid to use the link may be more comedy gold does not change the fact that that is not my problem.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Get ‘em, Jimmie! Go sue the barstids!
We’re behind ya alla way! Well, sorta…
mojo on September 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Oh I “used” your link. The content there was worthless and did nothing to advance your claim re: the thousands of identical ads.
Here, let me show you how it’s done.
Cuffy Meigs on September 29, 2008 at 10:51 AM
The concept is not copyrightable. However, the way in which the concept is expressed, is. And that is what’s strikingly similar here. SNL might have changed some of the details, but the way that the joke is expressed (e.g., “I get it”; “what you’re really saying”; “I understand”; etc.) is so close as to be very persuasive.
If Jim sued, he’d need to register the copyright first. And he’d ultimately have to prove not only similarity, but that the writer(s) had access to his blog and more likely than not did access it. It’s probably worth at least talking to a lawyer and sending a demand letter.
Alex_SF on September 29, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Your statement neither offers factual evidence of your original smear against Treacher that he isn’t the originator of the joke we’ve been discussing during the last 80+ posts nor does address the fact that an independent discovery, when used without malicious intent or for monetary/personal gain, is not actionable and credit for the discovery is shared/administered by a governing body. An example of this in practice is when the International Astronomical Union allows the names of the two scientists that independently discover a comet at the same time in two different labs to attach both of their names to the comet.
As usual, you’re proving to be intellectually ill-equipped to comment about yet another subject on HotAir.com. Source your original claims that Treacher is not the original writer of the “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit or you are de facto admitting that you are wrong.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Your statement neither offers factual evidence of your original smear against Treacher that he isn’t the originator of the joke we’ve been discussing during the last 80+ posts nor does address the fact that an independent discovery, when used without malicious intent or for monetary/personal gain, is not actionable and credit for the discovery is shared/administered by a governing body. An example of this in practice is when the International Astronomical Union allows the names of the two scientists that independently discover a comet at the same time in two different labs to attach both of their names to the comet.
As usual, you’re proving to be intellectually ill-equipped to comment about yet another subject on HotAir.com. Source your original claims that Treacher is not the original writer of the “Obama plays the race card to stop nuclear proliferation” bit or you are de facto admitting that you are wrong.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
————-
Ipso facto habeus scooby doo to you, Captain Paralegal.
Dave Rywall on September 29, 2008 at 1:49 PM
Like I said, I’ve been getting links from places like the Washington Post and the NYT. It’s just a fact. So it’s not outside the realm of possibility that somebody looking for Obama material could have seen that. You’re working on a sketch about something that happened 24 hours earlier, you need to come up with something quick… hey, it’s just the Internet, right? Why not?
The news uses bloggers as unpaid researchers all the time. But somehow this is far-fetched?
Glad to be of service. Sorry to confuse you with facts and evidence.
I was hoping he could narrow it down. Guess not!
Jim Treacher on September 29, 2008 at 2:51 PM
A nonsensical way to admit you have always been wrong about this subject Rywall, but the world has been conditioned for decades to just expect less from Canadians.
ScottMcC on September 29, 2008 at 5:34 PM