RE: Client misunderstanding of public domain

["Al Geist" <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

Traci Pearson wrote:

>I've got a client who insists that I use content 
that is posted on the Web in a manual I'm doing 
for them. Not only that, they want me to edit the 
content to match the style of their manual.

I told my client they'd better get express 
permission, preferably in writing, to actually 
use that content in their own manual (which will 
have my client's copyright on it) as well as permission to edit that
content.

One of their (my client's) managers said, No, 
they don't have to. It's posted on the Internet 
and therefore it is now "public property."<

Hi Traci,

Sounds like your client wants a whopping big lawsuit dropped on his/her lap.
Things posted to the Internet are not in the public domain unless the
originator of the material expresses in writing that it is free for the
taking.

I won't call that manager an idiot...okay, I will call him/her an idiot, and
an ignorant one at that.

Here is a website that may help you. Also check out the U.S. Copyright
Office.

http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html


Al Geist
Technical Writing, Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design and Award Winning
Videos
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140
Cell: 802-578-3964
E-mail: mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
URL: http://www.geistassociates.com (Online portfolio and resume)
See also:
URL: http://www.geistimages.com (Fine art photographic prints for home or
office and beautiful note cards for all occasions.)


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or 
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007 
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.
http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40web.techwr-l.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.