Re: Dedication to the public domain

ROAKLEY[_at_]guvax.acc.georgetown.edu writes:
>
> Here's another example of a way to release things into the public
> domain. . . .
>
> Unless otherwise indicated, I make no claim of copyright in
> messages I write for transmission over the Internet. I
> hereby grant permission to all others to reproduce, retransmit
> or copy such messages, subject only to the request to retain
> the signature line or to give appropriate credit for the use
> of any such material.

Not to be contentious, but I see a contradiction here. On the one hand, there is the assertion that there is no claim of copyright, i.e., that the message is in the public domain. On the other hand, there is the requirement that any reproductions, transmissions, and copies may be made only on the condition that the message remain intact.

But, if the work is in the public domain, then anyone is free to do with the work what he or she chooses, including copying it in part and without signature or credit.

What you're actually attempting to do is claim copyright, and granting a non-exclusive license to others on the condition that they agree not to reproduce without the signature or credit.

Terry Carroll
<tcarroll[_at_]scuacc.scu.edu> Received on Tue Feb 08 1994 - 04:10:31 GMT