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In some discussions, I've noticed that some replies may have mentioned ideas for using scripts
or macros to automate or semi-automate some operations -- such as
importing or exporting List data, or for other list-management operations, or for Contributors' data-entry tasks, or for other purposes that may have been discussed.
Is any scripting allowed at all?
I'm not a legal expert. I'm just asking because I am curious about this. Would IMDb not be able to provide any comment to supplement or clarify what's already stated in e.g. the Conditions of Use?
For example, I wonder, would export scripts be subject to what the Conditions of Use say about "extraction tools"? ... (Yes? Obviously? No? Sometimes? Maybe? Hello? Bueller?) ... What about scripted import? ... What about other list-related operations etc.? ... What about Contributors' data-entry tasks? ... Can some or any of these be assisted by scripting (without necessarily having to contact IMDb to obtain specific written permission in each individual case)?
TL/DR: Are some scripted operations allowed, or are none allowed (except by specific written permission)? Can IMDb provide any public clarification on this subject?
Is any scripting allowed at all?
I'm not a legal expert. I'm just asking because I am curious about this. Would IMDb not be able to provide any comment to supplement or clarify what's already stated in e.g. the Conditions of Use?
For example, I wonder, would export scripts be subject to what the Conditions of Use say about "extraction tools"? ... (Yes? Obviously? No? Sometimes? Maybe? Hello? Bueller?) ... What about scripted import? ... What about other list-related operations etc.? ... What about Contributors' data-entry tasks? ... Can some or any of these be assisted by scripting (without necessarily having to contact IMDb to obtain specific written permission in each individual case)?
TL/DR: Are some scripted operations allowed, or are none allowed (except by specific written permission)? Can IMDb provide any public clarification on this subject?
Posted 5 years ago
Dan Dassow, Champion
Nobody
in the last section of IMDb's "Contributor Top-Tips" page:
That "List of scripts" link leads to:
http://userscripts-mirror.org/users/67626/scripts
Does IMDb allow the use of all of the scripts listed there?
BTW, I see that some of those scripts apparently produce client-side modifications or enhancements to some information displayed on some IMDb pages. ... But some time ago, in another discussion about a different kind of client-side display mod, I was told by an employee that the IMDb "T&C prohibit the modification of [the] site." (See why I start to feel confused when I try to understand exactly what is allowed?)
I shouldn't really expect iMDb to answer these questions. They probably can't, and maybe they shouldn't. Not in a public forum. (I've learned this from some past experiences when I tried to communicate with some other companies regarding T&C clarifications.) Apparently, public discussion boards are no place to hash out questions that ultimately point to legal issues (i.e. anything T&C related).
Unfortunately, there may be no safe way for companies to provide completely clear and general answers to such questions. Must such questions either be left unanswered (thus leaving everyone in a haze of insufficient information), or must every conceivable use be laboriously negotiated (preferably by highly-paid lawyers at both ends) on a case-by-case basis?
So, perhaps the point of this thread is not to get an answer, but just to call attention to the fact that we're probably never going to get a completely clear and completely general answer to this kind of question.