Since you invited correction, I'll be happy to comment. I'm not an
attorney, but I have at least 3 copyright books floating around my
office, and I don't have this interpretation at all.
First, if you, Heather, as a freelance writer and journalist, *own*
the copyright, you're certainly within your rights to allow people to
reproduce what came off from your printer. Retaining the copyright is
fairly common for freelance writers here in the US, and apparently in
the UK where you are as well. The case I brought up was about the
Washington Post, which is different. Lactnetters went to the Post's
web site, and copied the publisher's copyrighted material.
Let me just say that I'm the author of over 50 articles, nearly all
of them published by major publishing houses here in the US. When I
write an article for, say, Birth or JHL or JOGNN or something, I sign
an agreement that transfers copyright to the publisher. (This is
unlike if I wrote an article for, say, Parents Magazine.) I no longer
own the copyright. Period. It's not up to me to say who can reproduce
what I wrote.
I've also taught in several universities on and off here in the US.
We've had the legal folks come and talk to us faculty members, and
ALL have reminded us that this "fair use" thing is very limited, and
that most people interpret it too liberally.
I'll reiterate my scolding for reproducing the Post's article here on
Lactnet. I'm not a lawyer, but there is no question in my mind that
this is illegal. Bravo to the first person who posted, and gave the
url. Shame on everyone else who reproduced this material. If anyone
thinks I'm wrong on this, I will forward their old post to the
Washington Post, and let the Post determine if they consider it a
violation of their copyright.
>Maria's concern that posters may be infringing copyright - 'stealing' - if
>they reproduce entire articles in a post instead of giving the URl is
>worthy, but I think misplaced.
>
>I am a freelance writer and journalist, and I feel ok about this.
>
>If someone wants to send a published article of mine to a mailing list,
>then, cool! I ask they acknowledge authorship, and date and source it
>appropriately.
>
>What I object to, and what is illegal, is to make money out of it, even
>indirectly. So that would preclude publishing on a commercial website
>without prior agreement of the copyright holder.
>
>As far as I am aware this applies internationally.
>
>It is no more 'stealing' than scanning in a copy of an article in say,
>Scientific American, and emailing that. Or you visiting your public library
>and looking through their cuttings files of newspapers and journals. When
>you make a photocopy of an article you are asked to ensure it's for
>non-commercial purposes (at least that's the case in the UK).
>
>Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we need beat ourselves up about
>it : )
>
>Heather Welford Neil
>NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK
>
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--
--
Marie Biancuzzo
Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
[log in to unmask]
Resources to simplify breastfeeding management are available at
http://www.wmc-worldwide.com
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