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The authorities and QPR couldn't provide what is already in the public domain back then so we made these short clips part of our growing site. It proved an instant success, especially to overseas viewers. Although not exactly ‘legal', it's hardly a crime to allow QPR fans from all over the world to share in the joy of our goals and victories.
At the beginning of this season, under the Premium TV (NTL) contract signed by QPR and most other clubs, official sites eventually got their acts together to show video footage of games. Once in place, it was only a matter of time before NTL started to clamp down on all sites showing video footage — indeed, if NTL had their way, they would try and shut down all unofficial sites.
It's great that QPR are now making money from the official site, and the video service provided is excellent — but it would be nice to think we could both exist in peace and harmony.
There is an agenda on copyright that has not been completely explored in broadcasting on the internet — but this is a very grey area. However, extracting just the clips for one club may well constitute "fair use", which is permissible. NTL are trying it on, and they by no means have a cut-and-dried case. If we were to take it to court (possibly as a class action, with all the other websites affected), we might not stand a good chance of success. The likelihood is that we could easily inspire a massive amount of public sympathy.
We have been asked to remove clips this week but don't think this will be the end of the matter.
NTL are even looking into banning match reporting by non-journalists. I heard recently how Newcastle (sponsored by NTL) had issued an ultimatum to a Pakistani-based fan who had used their club crest on his individual non-profit making site, to have it removed within two weeks.
NTL are not alone though, the FA and Football League charge £1,000 for any magazine, service or website that shows a full season's fixture list for any given club, hence the reason why we cannot even provide this service.
Just where will it all end?
In the meantime, you'll still be able to download goals form last and other's seasons, but that too will probably have to go one day. Very soon though, we'll be up and running elsewhere, so stay tuned…