I will send drjbrennan a personal message regarding this issue, as I know his intentions are entirely honourable (as I know from the wonderful feedback I received from him regarding my own video efforts).
A WORD OF WARNING ...!
PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE IN ITS ENTIRITY BEFORE CONDEMNING OR COMMENTING.
Whereas copying video as a backup for personal use is one matter, I would not recommend copying for any other purpose!
I mention this not only in relation to Richard's video, but to any other video production. I know to my own cost as a videographer that piracy has cost me a lot of money, so it's a matter close to my heart. Not for one moment do I think that is your intention, but one needs to be very mindful of copyright.
An update ... I have tracked Richard Phelan down, and we have now met a couple of times now that he is back in the UK, and we are now in the process of producing a DVD version of "Knots Made Easy". This will be a menu-driven DVD, incorporating all the original lessons, although there will be a change to iintroductions, titles and a few other things in order to make it a professional DVD production. There will be some considerable cost to us in having the original "Master" converted into a format from which we can work with, along with artwork for covers etc... On top of which, any DVD production will involve the cost of encrypting the master DVD to prevent "illegal" copying. Yes, I have already captured the original video for producing a "draft" DVD, but this has been done with Richard's permission.
Richard did in fact sell his excess stock of VHS videos, but the copyright is still firmly registered in his name, which means any other production of DVDs for distribution puts the producer at severe risk of breech of copyright. Considering the copyright could be sold for several thousands of pounds, this is a BIG legal risk for anyone going "their own way".
I am, however, mindful that some IGKT members might feel their expertise has been used for commercial gain (as, presumably, they did with the original VHS video), but this is a matter that presumably that was addressed with the original video? Bear in mind that Richard and I are investing money into a speculative venture with regards the DVD, and I would ask everyone to respect that venture (which may, or may not, work).
Finally, let's not forget that, despite this being a commercial venture, it is entirely possible (and indeed desired) that the IGKT will be well publicised by such a venture.
King Regards,
Phil The Rope
www.gr8-knots.com