Hasbro v. Scrabulous

Okay. I understand that Hasbro has a responsibility to protect the copyrights they own. And today with the disabling of Scrabulous on Facebook, I guess they scored a big victory.

I love Scrabble. I have played Scrabble since I was a child. I remember laughing with my whole family when my Dad tried to sneak the word "WHARM" onto the board so that he could get more points for the "H" on a double word score. We played with our neighbors too.

When I got married I took my in-laws' Scrabble board with me. I get out that old board twice a year or less, when my family visits, and I play Scrabble.

But then I discovered Scrabulous on Facebook. Here I could play Scrabble with my brother and sister, my neices and nephews, and friends all over the country. I could play at my own pace, with people I loved, and because of that, I came to love Scrabble all over again.

Today Hasbro sued Scrabulous and the game is no longer available. They put up a new, "approved" and "official" version, but it doesn't work. Legally I suppose Hasbro had to sue, but the true effect of their lawsuit is that I hate Hasbro. I'd love to boycott them, but they own a piece of almost every toy and game that you can think of.

I hope Hasbro recovers all the money to which they believe they are entitled. That sum is all they will get in the end. They have lost my support, and my good will. Now when I look at that dusty old Scrabble board the only thing I can think of is the disappointment of not being able to play Scrabulous on Facebook.

Congratulations Hasbro. You won the battle. I do wonder however, if you did not lose the war.