Hello, I was advised to write a letter to the editor of the Villanovan by Melissa Weigel in hopes to correct some of the errors and claims of the article in last week’s Villanovan. My name is Garreth, and I run VUDC. There are a few things that I would like to straighten out, and I hope that you take the time to read this and respond to me. My first issue is regarding the legality of such a network. First and foremost, the proper terminology would be a HUB, not a network. The Villanovan is correct in issuing the statement that such a HUB has not yet been deemed ‘legal’. However, with that said, it cannot be Illegal if it has not been determined. Currently, to my knowledge, there are not even any proceedings scheduled to debate the legality of such a HUB. THUS it cannot be illegal. The software used to create the HUB is entirely FREEWARE, available under the GNU/GPL licenses. Now, my most pertinent concern, regarding the NAME of the service. The HUB is called VUDC. That’s it. NOT Villanova University Direct Connect. While I may have derived the name from Villanova’s name, Villanova is NOT part of the site. Nowhere on the site or in the HUB do the word’s Villanova appear in ANY sort of naming or trademark. I am aware that Villanova is a trademarked and copyrights name. The use of this is no different from villanofun.com. It is evident where the name was derived from, yet there is no implicit reference to Villanova. I hope this clarifies things a bit. To my knowledge VUDC is not infringing on any trademarks. Also, before joining the HUB, a user must read this statement, present on the Homepage. “This site is operated and maintained privately, and is in NO way affiliated with Villanova University.” As well as this notice on the bottom of EVERY page “All logos and trademarks in this site are property of VUDC. This site is in NO way affiliated with Villanova University.The opinions and reflections on this website do not necessarily represent the opinions of VUDC nor those of Villanova University. “

Also, there are a number if misprints in the article by Ms. Pralle. I previously emailed Melissa Weigel some of this, but she referred me to the editor. Also, the article is entitled “Legal Filesharing Network Opens” NEVER did I say that to Vanessa. I believe she is very misinformed of her information, and did not present the facts properly. There are also minor corrections to the article such as; a song downloads in 3-4 SECONDS, as opposed to MINUTES written my Vanessa. These are just minor details though. I hope you take the time to email me back because I think this is an important issue that needs to be addressed here. Thank you very much. Please, Please email me back.

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