Submit your URL to the Hay.net -- copyright issues

Cool!
You've published a web page!
It's got pictures, it's got text, it's got links.

Way to go!

Now, have you bothered to check whether it's legal?

Allow me step on my copyright soapbox for a minute.

Let's imagine that, rather than publishing on the web, you want to publish a print magazine. You've got a million dollars to spend (it costs at least that much for a start-up publication these days). I would be willing to bet that you'll spend at least a good portion of that million dollars on lawyers and consultants to help you keep your brand-new-publisher's derriere out of prison.

"But hey," you say. "I don't need a million dollars to publish on the web. I can do it for $30! I can do it for FREE! To quote the old movie, I don't need no stinkin' lawyers!"

Well, ahem, you might just need one of those lawyers if you violate copyright. And remember, ignorance is no excuse. I mean, heck, you're on the Internet -- if you can't find copyright information by doing a couple of simple keyword searches, you probably shouldn't be publishing a web page!

It's not my business to teach you how to be a publisher. Let's boil it down to a few things, though:

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should (or that it's legal)

Yes, it's technically possible (incredibly easy, actually) for you to steal text and images off someone else's web site. That doesn't mean you should (or that it's legal). Oh, and it's not enough to take stuff and then include some lame "thanks to so-and-so's site for use of this material" line. Get permission first!
Yes, it's technically possible for you to copy source code from other sites. That doesn't mean you should (or that it's legal). For instance, URLs are in the public domain -- anyone can develop a list of links. However, the "feel" of a list of links is copyrightable -- steal all the links on the Hay.net, set them up with the same look and organization, and you've violated copyright.
Yes, it's technically possible to scan in photos from magazines and other print media to use on your site. That doesn't mean you should (or that it's legal). The same goes for audio and video clips.
Yes, it's technically possible to imbed images and code from another web site (instead of plunking the image on your site, you point to the image on the other site, and it appears as part of yours). That doesn't mean you should (or that it's legal).
Yes, it's technically possible for you to bungee-jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. That doesn't mean you should (or that it's legal).

Just because you can't, doesn't mean you should

Just because you're not making money off your web site doesn't mean you can steal content off other sites. The "Fair Use" doctrine includes the factor called "effect upon potential market." If you infringe on someone's ability to make money by posting their intellectual property for free on your web site, you've violated copyright.

Just because you can't find a copyright notice on a site doesn't mean you should assume the content of the site is free for the taking. Don't assume anything's in the public domain unless it's specifically stated.

Just because you can't see the owner of that nice Ferrari parked outside your house -- that shiny red one with the engine running and the keys in the ignition -- doesn't mean you should jump in and drive off.

The web is big business now (and getting bigger all the time). There are people who make their living developing content for the web (yours truly included). If you steal our stuff, you steal our livelihood. Cut it out!

Hey, the web is still a repository for free information. Lots of web content developers will be more than happy to give you permission to use their work, often for free (I'm a sucker for flattery, in case you're wondering). But ASK first, will ya? Please?

To learn more about copyright, visit The Copyright Website.

Okay, I'll step off the soapbox now. Go submit your URL (assuming you're not violating copyright).

Submit your URL
Send comments, suggestions, and lavish praise to Karen at [email protected]