Just been reading up on the fiasco at Buckie Thistle, all perfectly encapsulated (when isn't it?) on 200%. It seems unnecessary for me to add further words when Ian has already written so eloquently, but I couldn't let it pass.

The web is full of video of football matches, of varying quality. Both the football and the footage, that is. And whilst the authorities at the top end of the market may feel they are protecting their "product" by trying to limit such footage, those who seek to emulate them further down the footballing pyramid are showing such a chronic lack of understanding of marketing and the power of the internet that one has to wonder if we are living in two separate worlds.

Quite what was Highland League secretary John Grant thinking he was protecting? His argument that David Smith was infringing the club's copyright was at best ill-informed, showing all the hall marks of the back-street lawyer. According to the UK Copyright Service website "The law gives the creators of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, sound recordings, broadcasts, films and typographical arrangement of published editions, rights to control the ways in which their material may be used." Meaning that the footage is Mr Smith's to use as he sees fit, and it is any subsequent misuse of his footage that should be worrying the teenager, not the source of his material.

What the league secretary is getting his knickers in a twist over is actually a matter of rights. No one disputes that the Highland League have something which would be of interest to others outside the confines of any given match. The Highlands being the Highlands means that not every Buckie fan will get to every Buckie game. Furthermore, people move away, and still want to stay in contact with their club. The dawning of the internet has made this incredibly easy, and clubs can now communicate with fans across the globe at the press of a key. But you don't need me to tell you this. But if Buckie Thistle have agreed to having their games filmed, for free, and then having the highlights posted online for the delectation of anyone who wishes to seek them out (the footage below of a pre-season game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle currently has slightly less than 500 views), then the fight is surely between the club and the league.

That league officals do not understand that Smith is improving the image of their league is worrying. That they are actively trying to stamp it out is doubly so. As one travels around lower league football, the web is a constant source of information and insight into a particular club. These sights aren't always the best or the most up to date. After all what are the chances of every crowd containing someone with the ability, and time, to look after such things? Web design and upkeep is still very much a niche skill. But what is out there is posted with the best intentions of getting information out, and hoping to assist fans of any persuassion. To seek to curtail such a service is beyond niave, and when the League committee convenes next month, one would hope that over and above discussing this matter, they discuss the actions and conduct of Mr Grant.

I would urge you, if you haven't alreay been moved to, to sign the this petition, in support of David Smith's work, and show the suits that efforts such as David's are appreciated.