Re: Copyright of listserv posts

On Sun, 18 Oct 1998, Carol Simpson <csimpson[_at_]tenet.edu> wrote:
>
> A discussion has arisen on a listserv about the list owners claim
> of copyright to all posts. The idea is that since the posts are
> immediately sent to a publicly accessible archives, the copyright
> in the post is transferred to the list owners. Others claim
> ownership of their own materials.
>
> Is there any case law that would support such a position?

Dear Carol:

I, too, would like to hear if any of this has reached the courts. I've moderated two lists for four years and a few more for a couple of years.

My understanding has always been that copyrights remain with the author of the post unless explicitly transferred. There is an implied licence to quote the post within a list and no more. (After all, that's what lists are for)

Am I correct?

Bob SMith

   | Rev. Robert E. Smith           | Email: bob_smith[_at_]ctsfw.edu    |
   | Electronic Resources Librarian | Phone: (219) 452-3149         |
   | Concordia Theo. Seminary       | Ft. Wayne, Indiana            | 
   |                     http://www.ctsfw.edu/                      |