From the perspective of a site administrator, they would be hard-pressed to interrupt a particular feed to analyze the copyright of each post, and to exclude those posts which do not give explicit permission for reprinting on their page (even trying to explain it is a mouthful). That being said, they should still oblige the copyright holder who notifies them of an infringing work on their site, and remove the work, if asked.
The Internet is changing the nature of copyright, as it is changing the way we collect, share, and use information as a society. Some proponents of copyright reform, have taken an idealist approach to this change, with the mantra: information wants to be free. Others have fiercely fought the change, threatening that if the current trend continues, art will disappear, creativity will collapse, and this basket of puppies will be run over by a train. (For a fantastic overview, see Vaidhyanathan, Siva “The State of Copyright Activism”).
The truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle. As writers, and as bloggers, we are a new breed of authors. We have made our voice heard, and have already begun reshaping the world of information. Major media outlets, and brick and mortar media like Newsweek run segments on what we’re saying. Stories are broken by independent bloggers, elections are shaped, and devil-worshipping high school girls are outed for the 19-year-old would-be starlets they are.
How we choose to shape copyright is no different. We’re not only redefining how information is used, but what value it carries. To major media outlets, this is scary stuff; to one another, and to our readers, it’s an exciting time to be informed. But we have to strike a balance between the access widening purpose we serve, and the attribution and credit we deserve.
My suggestion is this: If a writer quotes you, be flattered, and be active, contribute to the dialogue. If a site reprints your article, make sure they link back to the original, and give you proper credit for your work. But, if they have an identity crisis, and think that they’re you, follow the steps in Lorelle’s excellent article. When you’re done with all of that, kick back, read some blogs, and remember, it’s an exciting time to be copied.
Article comments
1 - Bob MacKenzie
As a poet, writer of prose fiction, musician, and journalist, I've pretty much always been concerned about copyright.
I agree with much of what this article reports, and I agree philosophically with the concept of information being free. However, when this idea is misinterpreted, it hurts every communicator and artist.
Information is only that, information, and ideas are a dime a dozen. All of this should be freely distributed. Form is another matter.
If a writer's particular presentation of the information is used, then the writer should be credited for that and, in my opinion, paid for the use where there is money being made.
That's the real issue here. Anyone can have the information in my article, and can probbly find that information elsewhere. But if they take my actual article or some part of it, then I should always be given appropriate credit (and cash where possible).
2 - Howard Dratch
Terrific article about a suject of great importance in the digital age when images, words and ideas are presented in a manner so easy to appropriate.
It also just came up on my Yahoo Headlines widget as a featured news headline. Speaking of wide dissemination of ideas at a rapid pace.
3 - Matthew T. Sussman
Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer tries to protect his mound of sugar?
Same thing.
4 - Jet in Columbus
I will definately keep this in mind and thanks rich for tha attributing...
Written by “Jet in Columbus” © 2006 for Blogcritics.org
5 - diana hartman
I am pleased to tell you this article is being featured in the Culture Focus today, October 4th.
Diana Hartman
Culture Editor
6 - Rich Frankel
Thanks Diana, it was a wonderful treat to wake up to.