I'm gonna start a series of messages that are to remain permanent to this thread. This will be the first...
Copyrights: Not many realize the importance of copyright material. You may think that it only applies to movies, books, and the like. However, this is not the case. It actually applies to anything that is created by 1 person or organization. Even online and the internet are subject to laws regarding copyrighted works.
For this I will give my own synopsis of what copyright is as it pertains to the internet. Anything you create, whether it be a web set, web page, graphic/image, poem, is copyrighted to the original creator upon its inception.
Graphic usage: Every clipart, every graphic found on the internet is NOT public domain as some may believe. Someone, first had to create that image. These images then belong to the original creator and therefore are copyrighted to them. You can be sued for using artwork, clipart without permission. Some websites have a Terms Of Use page regarding the use of images taken from them. Read these carefully. If the site is of an original artist, make sure you read these Terms thoroughly and follow them. If you're unsure about usage and need more clarification, e-mail the artist directly. Most have a contact page for you to do this.
Don't steal graphics from a site, any site. Unless that site specifically states you can use all graphics without credit, always assume that you must ask for permission first.
There are some web sites who in fact are violating copyrights, always use caution.
Cliparts: These can be confusing at best. Always look for and read the fine print of every site you find them on.
Things that you create yourself, whether they be graphcs, name banners, pages, etc. are copyrighted to you. You can in fact claim copyright to these. However, know that everything must have been created by you. Even the backgrounds used for your web pages must be created by you in order to claim copyright to them. You can copyright the page as being created by you but not the backgrounds used if they're not really yours.
Fair Use Law: This can be a bit of a problem for some groups should they try to use disclaimer. First off, fair use does not include graphics copyright to someone else if permission from that artist hasn't been obtained first. Also fair use is also exclusive to educational institutions or other such organizations that are merely using the artwork to display or to show steps in creating that exact artwork. Fair use DOES NOT apply to taking a piece of artwork, removing the background (called tubing), placing it on a separate background, and then putting your name on it. This is not considered fair use. Groups use fair use to try to get away with using illegal images, which they soon find does not work.
Google "Copyrights" to find out more information including the legal side of and what can happen if you continue to use illegal works which you didn't have permission to use.
This is the end of my synopsis on copyright, search the net for more info and please abide by all copyright laws and regulations.
Thank You!
Queenie - Your group Owner
