Don't post copyrighted images/material here

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

Well none of my post have ever been nuked so I think Im ok. :wink_smil

But I will definitely be careful in the future. I hate to have anything happen to this site.

[Virginia Mescher]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

Is there any way to know what is copyrighted or not? Some of my resource materials are 19th century publications and I dont know if they are still copyrighted. In alot of cases like the Soldiers three image they have been published in several places or passed on to me by other people, and the point of origin has been lost. Now Im freaked out. :confused_

I'm not a copyright attorney but since both Mike and I have published books I have tried to keep up with the basic copyright laws.

In a nutshell, anything published before 1923 is in public domain. If you OWN an original copy of the publication, you can publish or reuse it as you see fit. The key is ownership. If you own a reprint, the publisher of the reprint owns the copyright and it can not be used without obtaining permission of the copyright holder. Anything published after Mar. 1, 1989 is considered under copyright even if it does not have the copyright symbol.

Brief direct quotes, not entire chapters, may be used with the proper citation of the source as an footnote or endnote. If a direct quote is not used but information from the book is used, a bibliographic citation is needed. Sometimes I do not use endnotes but will attibute the quote within the body of the work and the book will be included in the bibliography.

As for pictures from e-bay or any other source, the owner of the picture retains the current image of that picture. If it is originally on e-bay the seller owns the image on the auction but as soon as the picture is sold, the new owner is the owner of the rights to copy it but the original seller still owns the e-bay image.

I have obtained pictures from the LOC and since they are in public domain I can use them since I have paid the LOC reproduction costs and no further permission is needed. Other places have different policies and will charge you per use of the picture even if you have paid them for a copy. It's a good idea to check with the owner of the original picture and find out their policies. Some of them charge a quite high amount per use of their picture.

A copyright does not have to be registered, nor does the copyright symbol be used for a work to be copyrighted. It is considered copyrighted as soon as it is written. A registered copyright with the copyright office makes it easier to prove copyright ownership if there is a dispute. In lieu of that, some people will mail a copy of the work to themselves and leave the enveolpe unopened so the postmark is proof of date of the writing.

Periodically, I do a Google search for my name and I usually find unauthorized use of e-mail entire posts, articles, and even major portions of my booklets being used and distributed over the internet. If it is possible to contact the infringer, I do so and let them know that they are in violation of copyright infringement. Usually we can straighten matters out. Othertimes I have requested that the item be removed from the web page. Be warned its not just the casual writer or poster that has infringed upon our copyright; sometimes it has been a large or govermental organization.

If someone asks permission to use something of mine, I usually grant it. I also keep a file of those who have requested permission so I don't get confused with who had permission and who does not.

For a more complete explanation of copyright laws and web sites to consult, the April/May 2001 issue of _Citizen's Companion_ is a good place to start. Susan Hughes did an excellent job of condensing the cumberson laws into readable text.

[BobSzabo]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

Paul,

I appreciate your concern, it can be a fine line at times. I dont know that its always black and white. As far as that post on my forum goes I can only take the word of the poster who says he has permission to use it. Time Life Books is out of business. I also think it may fall under the fair use catagory.

Like everyone else has said, Im not a lawyer either but where does this clause fall into place: "scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright". We are publishing for research purposes not for profit.

I wonder how many people who use my pictures on websites and as avatars realize that just because they bought the tintype from me it doesnt mean they own the publishing rights to it.

Ive always given permission when asked as long as Im given credit.

Bob Szabo

[paulcalloway]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

I understand where you're coming from Bob. My concern was for you and your website... that bit with Larry Stevens put me on the defensive toward this sort of thing. Plus, I just think it's the right thing to do to give a proper citation even if you have expressed written permission to use the material. At the very least, it gives the reader the information he/she needs to go directly to the source.

[33rd VA Co. H]

Re: Furthermore...

To underscore the seriousness of Paul's above post, if ever I spot a poster commit the above infraction, I will BAN THEM ON SIGHT!

Boy that sounds scary!


What about the five star post down below straight out of a Charles Dickens story?

Double standards or do they only apply when you see fit?

Just curious.

[Jefferson Guards]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

I believe a Charles Dickens story does not apply as it is no longer under copyright, but is in the public domain. It was my understanding that the referenced quote refered to copyrighted material.

[33rd VA Co. H]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

Brian,
After further reading, I see that you are absolutly correct. I'm certainly not well versed when it comes to copywrite laws so I apologise for speaking out on the subject.

I do however find it quite amusing to see "Mr. BAN THEM ON SITE" tossing threats around like a school boy. Definitely someone to be in fear of! :sarcastic

Regards,

[faube]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

Paul, sorry if my question on the other forum that prompted that gentlemen to post those copywrighted pages caused this whole Imbroglio.

Please accept my humblest apoligies...

Regards,

Frank J. Aube

[ScottMcKay]

Re: Don't post copyrighted images/material here

I believe a Charles Dickens story does not apply as it is no longer under copyright, but is in the public domain.

Brian, you are correct! The rule of thumb on copyright material is that it is public domain after 75 years of it's copyright.

Anyone that is not sensitive to the copyRIGHTS of intellectual or artistic material has either not had those rights abused/stolen, or is incapable of creating such material, or both!!