TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Anonymously mail a copy of the newsletter with the offending cartoon to
the syndication house that holds the copyright on the cartoon. Sit back
and practice your most pious look of innocence. When confronted, answer
all questions with "I know my Redeemer liveth".
Mike
Mike Starr
Writer
Rockwell Software Inc.
mike -dot- starr -at- software -dot- rockwell -dot- com
----------
From: TLewis123[SMTP:TLewis123 -at- AOL -dot- COM]
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 1995 10:43 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list TEC
Subject: Copyright ethics
Howdy,
I'm new to this list so forgive me if this has been addressed before. My
interest in this subject has been renewed because of a discussion on
another
list. And, it is not my intention to flame anyone.
I used to receive a newsletter from a small technical writing business
until
I pointed out that the President (an active member of STC) was violating
copyright. He mails a newsletter to his customers and prospective
customers.
In one issue, he copied a syndicated cartoon from the local newspaper.
(It
included the copyright notice.) He did not ask permission to use it nor
did
he pay for its use. I wrote to him and told him tactfully that this is a
violation of copyright. He maintains that it okay because he does not
charge
for the newsletter. He also says that his lawyer said it is ok too.
I am a video producer and have read numerous articles on copyright and
talked
to our company lawyer. They all tell me that the company is violating the
copyright because the newsletter is a sales tool for the company. If they
do
not expect to gain exposure and business from it, they would not go to
the
expense of publishing and mailing it.
So, my question is: Do you agree that he violated the copyright and is it
worth my time to convince him to not do it again? If so, how should I do
it?
Mail copies of the copyright laws and related articles?
Tim Lewis
TLewis123 -at- aol -dot- com
Writer/Producer
