There is a thorough legal discussion of U.S. copyrights and the internet at:
http://www.fplc.edu/tfield/copynet.htm for those who are interested.
As a special needs attorney and editor of a newsletter for a regional AAMR
(American Association on Mental Retardation), I've had occasion to consider
this issue, since the AAMR seeks to keep its members informed about the
latest developments in the disability community. If I am writing in a
general fashion about something I have read on a listserv, I do not
necessarily seek the permission of the writer of the message. If I wish to
actually quote an individual, I would normally write them an e-mail off-list
asking permission to do so. If they refuse, I don't publish it. I don't
think most people believe that their or other's utterances on listservs are
copyright protected. On other listservs in which I participate, such as one
for attorneys, some people affix a message to the bottom of all their
messages warning that the messages should not be forwarded or published
elsewhere without their permission. This type of message would function in
the U.S. as copyright protection. I do not do that myself, as I regard
e-mail as casual conversation, albeit often among scholars who may be
discussing serious subjects. I have no objection to my messages being
forwarded or published, so long as portions are not taken out of context in
a manner which distorts my intent. I would expect any ethical person,
should they wish to quote me verbatim, to attribute the quote properly as
well.
Patricia Williams
Pasadena, California, U.S.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Arnold" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 7:49 AM
Subject: Re: Discussion boards and research
> I regard all my utterances on lists and bulletin boards as copyright and
if
> I discovered someone had quoted me from wherever without my permission I
> would take action either legally or through the appropriate ethics
> committeeAll my utterances are copyright and if I discovered someone had
> quoted me from wherever without my permission I would take action either
> legally or through the appropriate ethics committee
>
> It is unethical as you are not giving those who contribute right of reply
> and may be taking there remarks well out of context, them having made them
> without express intent for others to repeat.
>
> The only way round is to cite the website, if you wish to archive it for
> reference (given the ephemeral nature of the world wide web) it would be
> wise to seek permission and if refused accept that.
>
> Larry
>
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: The Disability-Research Discussion List
> > [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Sara Ryan
> > Sent: 24 August 2004 13:45
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Discussion boards and research
> >
> >
> > Hi,
> > I've got a feeling that this may have been a topic a while ago
> > but does anyone know whether or not you can quote from
> > discussions that take place in electronic forums? I've just
> > stumbled upon a website which is based upon my area of research
> > and there are some wonderful discussions in the archives. Is it
> > unethical to take from these and use the material elsewhere?
> > Any thoughts welcome.
> > Sara
> >
> > ________________End of message______________________
> >
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> >
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> >
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>
> ________________End of message______________________
>
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>
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