Since squeamishness over copyright laws pop up all over the internet, it's time to make sure our readers are the most well-informed on the issue.
THE FAIR USE PRIVILEGE
The United States of America is legendary for its liberty, and its copyright laws are no exception.
"The purpose of copyright laws is to advance progress of knowledge by giving authors an economic incentive to create new works. Authors and their heirs are automatically granted the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, perform, and display their works for many years; they are in effect, granted a monopoly over the use of their work. However, there are situations where strict enforcement of an author's monopoly would hinder, rather than promote, the growth of knowledge...To avoid this result, the fair use priviledge was created." pg. 487 The Public Domain, 3rd Edition (May 2006) by Attorney Stephen Fishman.
America's special Fair Use Privilege (www.nolo.com) goes like this:
"Under the fair use rule, an author is permitted to make limited use of another author's work without asking permission. All authors and other copyright owners are deemed by U.S. law to give their automatic consent to the fair use of their work by others." pg. 488 The Public Domain, 3rd Edition (May 2006) by Attorney Stephen Fishman.
Notice that this is NOT stealing, but rather spreading knowledge and giving ample credit. You have to understand that in the world of reporting and educating, if everyone sat around waiting for someone to give permission to use their quotes not very much would get done! Thus, the Fair Use Privilege exists so that the spread of information is not hindered.
From the Supreme Court:
"If the use is otherwise fair, no permission need be sought or granted. Thus, being denied permission to use a work does not weigh against a finding of fair use." Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., 114 S.Ct. 1164 (1994).
Of course, great power and freedom requires great responsbility, and it is our responsibility to respectfully handle the rightful property of our readers, contributers and sponsors. In other words, we, as all reporters, must not abuse the freedom of speech and defame others. We hope to raise a high standard against slander in the blog world.
HEY, WHY DIDN'T YOU ASK ME FIRST? YOU SAID....!!!
Now, now...see here...we intend to inform you every time we include a work of yours (or a link to a work of yours) every time a new issue is made, just out of extra friendly courtesy. But you must understand, that due to timing and various other constraints, such contact will not always get made right away. Before you get too upset over it, please remember that we do have the legal right to publish without your consent. That's not to say that everything that is lawful is profitable (don't even start on that one), but there are sometimes when we all need to relax and remember what our priorities are.
The purpose of The Insider is to inform and encourage great blogging in the HSB community, so that writers will write things worth reading about and readers will read things worth writing about. We want to make every second of your time on the blogosphere worthwhile! Let us sharpen our minds and spread word of good report (and sometimes a few things that may require our prayer and concern)!
- The Insider Staff
P.S. ~ Issue 4 is coming soon! If you got anything to share, feel free to send it in! ALSO: We have some exciting news to announce that you will NOT want to miss out on!
Comments
Mar. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Samsfort
Hey sorry for taking a while to reply sure u can add me to your friends and yes u can write about meh!
Sam
Mar. 18, 2008 - I suppose...
Posted by Akuchi
it's a good thing I have no plans of being a lawyer. I suck at law. Thank you for posting this information. I'm sure everyone appreciates it. Just a bit of advice though, you might want to add a link to it on your sidebar for future reference.
I have no problem with people using my work so long as they know it's copyright yada, yada, yada. But you do have a point on the news though.
All wells. I'll see ya next issue. :D
Adios-cha. Kayla.
Mar. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quietcajun
Ah yes, but it is very important NOT to quote a person out of context in such a way that will damage their reputation. This would fall under defamation of character and is illegal and unethical. I am sure you are already aware of this, but I wanted to clarify this point to any of your readers who did not know that!
Jul. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SkatingFairy
Common guys POST I need my insider!!!!!!!!!
Aug. 9, 2008 - link back?
Posted by Sisterlisa
I think you should link back to the original information where you got this from so people can read the entire law for themselves. I think we should all be careful and read the laws thoroughly on these topics.