Solutions to Copyright Problems in Interviews

When an interview is conducted for the purpose of publishing, who owns the copyright? Is it the interviewee who responds to questions or the interviewer who shoots the questions?

Codemakit has conducted a fair share of interviews with prominent web personalities in its term. With the pressure to create new and original articles, on often wonders, if an article is created with the cooperation of two individuals, who claims the ownership?

Let us take an example of an email interview. The interviewer or the person who asks the question has as much right over the content as the interviewee who answers the question.

Prevailing Theory

Now let us take a moment to digest. In an article or a video, what readers look after is not the questions of the interviewer, but the answers of the interviewee. So the copyright could be attributed to the interviewee. However since the interview is of no consequence if it is not published through a media, the interviewer too can claim copyright for the same.

One theory often prevails that if the interviewer publishes the interview at a location, he/she is called the de facto copyright holder. However as is mentioned in the "Rights of Writers" article, which is not the case always.

If a preset agreement between the interviewer and the interviewee is not present, some courts can look at it in a different light. It can be seen as if the interviewee had agreed implicitly to the copyright.

The matter of copyright often creeps up when the interviewee does not want the interview to be used in one way or another. For example, if you interview a person who does not want a specific part of interview to be broadcasted. When you publish it, you are liable to attract problems on the basis of copyright violation.

Best Practice

So what is the best practice? It is highly advised to get the interviewee to agree to transfer copyright to you before conducting the interview. If it is an email interview, ask the interviewee to accede to an agreement. If it is a videotaped interview, get them to agree on the tape that the copyright of the following interview will be held by the publisher itself. However, if the interviewee wants to say something 'of the records', ensure that you honor the request.

If you’re not much of a control freak, you can get the interviewee to agree to a creative commons type license to the work created (Though you’ll have to first check which creative commons license would suit the work better).

Examples

The following is a sample document asking interviewees to accede to the agreement before getting interviewed. Click here to get the sample copyright document for Email Interview and Click here to get the sample copyright document for Video Interview.

Related Reading

Check out the awesome article on the dangers of trading an article for a service.

You can read about fair use copyright policy and its problems while you’re reading about copyrights.

This gave you, 

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A Case Study on Fair Use Copyright Policy

There was a time when I was cleaning up codemakit back-links. This means removing codemakit name from websites that are not relevant or not important or are simply degrading.

The pretense of the exercise was that if the quality of back-links is improved, the website stats will improve.

The exercise dictates opening each and every website from Google search results which looks like a domain analyzer, i.e. a website that hosts information about other domains. So, for codemakit, one would find websites, hosting DNS information about codemakit.com.

An Average DNS Based Website

DNS (Domain Name Server) information hosted on such websites include, the following information,

1. Name of the website, 
2. Name of the Owner of the Domain,
3. Email address of the owner, 
4. Email address of the technical staff of the website, 
5. Contact details for privacy violation

Now obviously websites with such content are not relevant at all. So that means mailing each and every one of them asking them (Politely) to take down any content related to codemakit.com.

The problem however lies in one place. Most websites never respond to your mail. Some do respond after a week or so, apologizing that they were busy. However, there is one type of website which hosts not only the DNS information of blogs but also their content.

Such websites host the following information in addition to the DNS information

1. Meta Description
2. Meta Tags
3. Category of the website
4. Content of the website

New Type of DNS Based Website

Some often say that this was because of web owners submitting their websites to several search engines as a part of their naïve SEO strategy, only finding out later that those were not search engines but just directories hosting such information.

They use specially designed bots to copy information from your personal blog/Website and host it on their websites. On one look this can be called as a blatant violation of your copyright. (Assuming your website has a copyright notice). But only when you visit such websites you find that not only have they shirked any responsibility of violating a digital law, they are justifying their actions as well.

How do they justify or rationalize copying data from a website? By citing a Policy named as fair use Policy.

In the following example, one can see how content from codemakit.com was copied on a website. When one rushes to the contact page in protest of its violation of copyright, one would find that the website is protected by fair use policy and "threats" would not work.

In the following example, "Just one question arises, "Does the snippet provided on the website qualify as a preview?"

Related Reading,

• A really nice article on Fair use can be found at center for social media impact in their article about how journalists think about fair use
• You can also found a FAQ on Fair use at US copyright Webpage
• You can take a look at a previous article by codemakit.com on a method to find out if someone is copying from you. This is exceptionally useful if you think you too are a victim of fair use policy.

This was,

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The Dangers of Fair Use Copyright Policy

How often do you feel safe about your work? Do you feel that your work is protected enough by copyright laws?

If you do there is a bad news for you. There is a flaw in the existing copyright law, a flaw known as Fair Use Policy.

What is Fair Use Policy?

The fair use policy is an exemption to the existing copyright law, the one which all bloggers and websites use in order to ward off copiers from your precious creation. Wikipedia on Fair Use states that

'Fair use is a doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders'. 

The fair use policy grants right to use a small snippet of copyrighted material without actually getting permission from the original owner. Though it was created to provide a preview of a person's copyrighted work which actually is not free to use, there is an inherent weakness or a flaw in the policy itself.

Difference between Fair Use and Creative Commons

This is much different that a creative commons concept. In a creative commons concept, the web owner allows the use of content with some limitations (Here you license your work with a creative commons). The first image of this article is a part of creative commons, which allows me to modify and use it for personal purposes. This however is not the case with fair use. A Fair use is an exception allowed for using/ reproducing a copyrighted material.

What is the problem with Fair Use?

Do you know the problem in the policy? It is just a single word in the Wikipedia's version.  The word is "Limited Use"

What is limited use? For a 400 word article, limited use may include hosting a copy containing words ranging from a meager 20 word preview or a 399 word preview "I left out a word you know. I did not use your complete article you know”. For a 20 minute video, the preview might range from a harmless 1 minute trailer or a 19 minute 59 seconds video, thereby leaving out the thank you note at the end of the video.

Since the implementation and the interpretation of fair use reside only with judges and the legal eagles, you never know if your work has been copied "Fairly" or "Unfairly" (Yes I'm using sarcastic quotes). In short, though it is named as fair use, it actually is a loophole in the system itself thereby enabling a cyber thief to blatantly copy your work without offering an apology.

How does Fair Use affect you?

When your content is available on another website for perusal, you lose valuable readers, your page start coming below the alleged website and hence your website drops in SERPs.

Related Reading,

• A really nice article on Fair use can be found at center for social media impact in their article about how journalists think about fair use
• You can also found a FAQ on Fair use at US copyright Webpage

This was about,

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Which creative commons license would suit your site

You have a website and you're searching for the best licence under the creative commons banner. Which licence would suit your site? Read the about each and every licence, their conditions and some examples of websites/works which have already implemented creative commons. 

The creative commons have been discussed before, here you’ll find out of the licenses made available by the creative commons, which license would suit you best. 

The creative commons website has made it clear that there are no registration fees for protecting your work with a creative commons license. You just need to select which of the six license would suit you most and marking your works so that others know it is protected with a creative commons license.

The following are the main condition modules (or the conditions under which you’re allowing the user to use your work)

Attribution (BY)

The user will have to cite/attribute you (author/creator) in the works taken from you. Most suited for website/blog/vlog/music content with highly generous authors who do not mind their works to be used for commercial and derived purposes. It is also good for new and first time websites.

Example,

Read the cc Blog Post on the publishers

Repository for teachers on Syria, Read the CC Blog post on the website.

India based Pratham Publishers,  Read the CC Blog Post on the publishers

Attribution Share Alike (CC BY-SA)

The user will have to cite the original author and the same applies to any one who uses the derived work.  Most suited for video and blog content with authors who do not mind their works to be used for commercial purposes. However this type of license is most suited for video and music blogs.

Example,

Boundless Magazine Read the CC Blog Post on the Magazine

Attribution No Derivatives (CC BY-ND) 

The user will have to attribute the original author and should not change/modify the works. Most suited for Image creation websites. For example websites or blogs which are into image creation/touch-ups like photoshoped wallpapers, abstract arts, and photography websites.

Example,

Frost Wire File Sharing service, Read the CC Blog Post on the Service

President of Bulgaria's page, Read about it at the CC Blog

Attribution Non-Commercial (CC BY-NC)

The user will have to attribute the original author and can use it freely without using it for commercial purposes. The author must remember that for such a license the derivative works is not subjected to the same license, i.e. the same license does not apply to the works used from you. Most suited for video blogs or video content creation websites like tutorials, personal videos (wouldn't recommend).

Example,

The Paly voice Read about it at CC Blog post

Stanford Digital Repository, 47 thesis available under the licence.

Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike (CC BY-NC-SA)

The user will have to attribute the original author and cannot use it for commercial purposes. Also the same license applies to any derived work at any level. Most suited for written content from blogs with somewhat reticent authors. 

Example,

We the media from ORielly , 

Video Documentary “An Island” , 

The very popular Khan Academy

Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)

The licensee/user will have to attribute the original author, without modifying or using it for commercial purposes and the same license is applicable to any work derived. Video blogs or VLogs always use this licence. Most suited for image websites which morph and create images, patterns etc. The author can finally relax that even copies of copies of his work cannot be morphed or edited. 

Example,

The story of stuff 

New York State Sentate 

Photosynth Online Application, Read about it at CC Blog

Monk Turner’s Album 'Love Story'

Share Alike (SA) 

Here, derivatives of the work is allowed but the same license will have to be applied to the derivatives, i.e. The derivatives of their work will be allowed under the parent license.

Most recommended for photo blogs.

Non-Commercial (NC)

The works under this license cannot be used for commercial purposes

Most recommended for music or video blogs

No Derivative Works (ND)

Here, the user can use the works as it is and should not edit/derive from the original works

Most recommended for music or video blogs

Additional (CC0)

The license renders the work with a No Rights Reserved, it has been found that such a license is less ambiguous and can achieve the desired effect on a global scale, rather than limited to some jurisdictions.

Examples to be added for each type of licenses

Note. Just like any official document, there are amendments  CC licenses after amendment has an upgrade in its version. As per 2013-14 the version for all licenses available is version 3.0. If you have a licence of a lower version, then you can apply for an upgrade. One thing though, you cannot downgrade your licence, i.e. going back to a lower licence version. If your website is a global website with global needs, you would need un-ported licences. CC offers the same six different licenses based on the international treaties  also on copyright.

Feel free to comment if you find any other examples of websites implementing cc licences for their content.

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Things you should Know before Applying a CC License to your Blog

The article explains what should you know about creative commons and about its features before adding it to your blog. People do have many questions, like what is this thing called Creative Commons and what does it mean? 

Firstly, Creative Commons is an organization that helps users shares their work with others. The complete procedure is legal and freely available. In a nutshell; if you get a creative commons license to your work, you are supposedly giving away your work freely to anybody (have a look at some who have already done it or search for some cc works on the website) who needs it.

Another question which arises from the statement is why do I need a creative commons license? When I didn’t have a license, I couldn’t control who can copy my works. So even if I had a license, what difference will it make? The answer is very simple, the organization provides legal tools to the licencor (The person who is licensing his work) to control how his work is being used after it has been umm... copied.  From the website you can choose from a plethora of licenses and determine which license suits you best. You can even have a look at the policies to improve your understanding on the subject.

For example, you are a graphics developer and with your skills and knowledge, you have created amazing logos and wallpapers. Now you want your work to be available to other users on the web so that they could also use your work to beautify theirs. But (Oh! Here comes the catch), as a designer you need you work to flourish your own creation not someone else’s who edited your work into something else. So you use a creative commons license. This license will help you prevent your work to be modified by some punk who thinks he’s over smart. The license will create a legal obligation towards anyone who takes your work. This might mean, the licensee (the person taking your work) will have to cite the author or the source when he reuses your work or he will be prohibited to modify your work (like explained above) etc. So, with the help of this powerful yet free legal tool you can control what a person is able to do with your work.

Now here are consolidated facts about the creative commons (henceforth referred to as CC).

1. CC does not track your work. So if you have a graphics set, CC will not track and find out where is it being used right now.
2. CC is not against copyright. In fact it is pro-copyright.
3. CC is not a law firm and does not give advice (legal advice of course) on matters. It simply provides a free platform and legal documents for the use of common man.
4. Only the original creator of the work is authorized to license the work under CC.
5. A licencor has the permission to change the clauses in a CC license. However CC does not recommend any changes in the document as it leads to further complications.
6. CC licenses are built to be enforceable in court in nearly all jurisdictions. However the license has a severability clause where the provision is deemed unenforceable in certain situations.
7. Another very important characteristic about CC licenses is that it is un-revocable. You cannot stop someone to refrain from using your work after you have applied a cc license to the particular material. 

Note regarding the LAST POINT, Let us take an example of the Graphics developer. The developer has reached new heights of his career but is a little low on cash. So he thinks that he can make money by selling his creations to potential art lovers on the web. But he has already attached the previous art works to a cc license. Now even if he tries he will not be entitled to stop any user from using his previous works which they have obtained during the CC license period. This is another reason why you should be highly cautious while applying for a CC license. Never indulge in such proposals thinking it’s cool, think it through and understand why you need a CC license and then plunge. Still having some questions? look at the FAQs or add a comment below.

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Blogger's Content Policy in a nutshell

Here is a condensed list on blogger's latest content policy.

While blogging some thing must always have bugged you, 'Am I doing it right?"

So, Here is a complete set of blogger content policies and 10 rules you, as a blogger should not break. However, one thing must be borne in mind, that the policies are subject to change and might include exceptions too. I you still have some doubts, you are free to visit the official website containing detailed explanation.

1. Though Adult content are allowed but the owners must categorize them as 'mature content'.

2. Child safety, examples, child pornography or pedophilia

3. Hate speech or something that promotes hate or violence based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability etc.

4. Crude or rash content - shocking or graphic

5. Violence. e.g. death threats

6. Copyright.e.g. blog containing links sending users to illegal download websites.

7. Impersonation of someone

8. Illegal activities or promotion of illegal activities

9. Spam blogs

10. Malware and viruses

This was all about,

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Convert image pdf to copyable pdf

pdf - according to Dictionary.com is 'portable document format: a format in which documents may be viewed'
according to merriam-webster.com is 'a computer file format for the transmission of a multimedia document that is not intended to be edited further and appears unaltered in most computer environments'

Just as any document, pdf can also be created from scanned hardcopies of documents. What do you do when you need to copy some thing from a pdf file you've downloaded or took from a friend. You need the content, urgently for your website, but you haven't got time or the energy. So here's a smart way out.

'cvisiontech.com' from CVISION Technologies, Inc. is a provider of file compression, recognition technology, PDF workflow applications, and document automation technology. The company has created 'pdfcompressor', Industrial-strength PDF conversion, compression, OCR, & optimization tool for scanned pages, or any PDF.

Just as you may see here, 

 

The pdf is a scanned document or made from pictures or photos.

 

If you need the text from here

Go to cvisiontech.com

Upload the image pdf

 

Download the result file

 

Your file will now have the text separated and copyable.

Now you know,

How to

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Find If someone Copied from you

Checking sites that duplicate your site content is a good practice, provided you have time or labour to perform such activities. Usually this must be done at least once in 2 months. The following tool will help you find those plagiarists who cannot create content on their own and depend on illegal copying from leading sites.

According to plagarisma.net, Today plagiarism causes economic damage in billions of dollars. Plagiat are nothing but theft of intellectual property of creative people and serve to make others rich.

Some of the well known duplicate content finder sites are .

1. http://www.copyscape.com/
2. http://plagiarisma.net/
3. http://www.dcfinder.com/
4. http://www.seomastering.com/similar-text-checker.php
5. http://www.duplicatecontent.net/

We will however see how the site http://www.duplicatecontent.net/ works.
The site simply asks us to enter the url of the 2 sites we need to compare and then it will show the results.

On clicking 'check' the site will proceed with the results in no time. Here I have checked codemakit's main site and its facebook counterpart.The results looked like this.

You may also try out one of the above given sites for a more exhaustive list.

Article Number UAN#022CMKT

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