Re: Dedication to the public domain

  A couple of people wrote to suggest that there is a tension in my copyright release (see below) because it appears to place a condition on the use of the information.

  This is helpful because I started using the statement for a couple of reasons: (1) to start people thinking about whether they *really* wanted to retain a copyright in *everything* they write on the net -- even short meaningless messages; and (2) to begin to devise a means by which those of us actively involved in networking can easily indicate our intentions concerning the retention of that right in particular cases.

  I had thought (and upon reflection, I still think) that my statement does not place a condition on the use of the work after it is in the public domain; rather, the statement makes a "request" that credit be given.

  It is true that I can copy a public domain work and not run afoul of the copyright law. I cannot, however, claim it as my own without at least being intellectually dishonest. Copying another's work without attribution is usually considered to be plagiarism -- obviously not enforceable under copyright, but certainly a legitimate concern. I continue to think it entirely proper to request attribution even after giving everyone blanket permission to copy.

  If others still think I am wrong in this, I would welcome suggested changes in the language to achieve my objectives. After all, I started this in order to stimulate a discussion.

Bob

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  

  Robert L. Oakley (Bob)          PHONE:        (202) 662-9160
  Georgetown Univ. Law Library    FAX:          (202) 662-9202  
  111 G Street, N.W.              BITNET:       ROAKLEY[_at_]GUVAX.BITNET
  Washington, D.C.  20001         INTERNET:     ROAKLEY[_at_]GUVAX.GEORGETOWN.EDU
                                                OAKLEY[_at_]LAW.GEORGETOWN.EDU
                                  PACKET RADIO: WK3C @ N3BBF.MD.USA

    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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received on Wed Feb 16 1994 - 17:54:44 GMT