Re: Dedication to the public domain

Colleagues--

  I don't agree with the conclusions some have reached, but I do agree that the previous signature I used created an ambiguity that could be avoided by more explicit language. Adopting a couple of the suggestions, I have recrafted the wording, as shown below, which should avoid any ambiguity. (Glenn -- I even reduced the number of lines from 17 to 10. I don't see any way to get it down to the 4 you use except to leave out a lot of stuff.)

  I refrain from commenting on the tone of the messages I have received on this issue, except to note that some of them surprised me. I guess this is one of the things we have to learn as we explore this new medium of communication.

  I do note that one of the reasons I made the previous version so long was to explain the purpose and to encourage others to think about whether or not they really care about retaining copyright in *everything* they may write for the net. It may be, as Barbara Ringer says, that I have copyright in everything I write -- even my grocery lists -- but I do not necessarily care to prevent others from copying or using them (unless, of course Gourmet magazine wants to use them).

   Where the net is concerned, we networkers need to promote an environment where we know information can be easily transmitted for the benefit of all. If I post a message to this list, I don't care if someone picks it up and transmits it to another. But if I have retained copyright in that message, it is not at all clear that I have given anyone permission to retransmit to any list other than the one I originally posted it to. Indeed, it is relatively clear that I have not.

  I hope that others will begin to think about whether or not they really want to protect *everything*, as they do without the disclaimer, and that others will also begin to add their own release. I have been surprised to see so few people picking up on this idea. Why not let it begin here?

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

I make no claim of copyright in this message and hereby place it in the public domain. Feel free to reproduce, retransmit, or copy the message, but please retain the signature line or give appropriate credit for any such use.     Received on Fri Feb 25 1994 - 15:23:15 GMT