It's a matter of Federal law that posting something in a public forum does not negate the copyrights of the author. If you publish something without an author's permission, you leave yourself open for a lawsuit. Always get permission, preferably in writing. And, just because you've received permission to publish something once, doesn't mean you have permission to publish it again. It depends what rights you were granted by the author or artist.<P>Always get permission. They will probably say "of course." I probably would. But failing to ask is a violation of U.S. copyright law and you can get into serious trouble if the author chooses to press the matter.<P>It only takes a moment to ask and it's the professional thing to do.<P>Cheers,<BR>Bry

Bry, Good advice! AACA has always stressed copyrights at the Newsletter editors seminar. SalG

Copyright requirements are a frequent topic at the newsletter editor seminars as Sal mentioned. The subject is also covered in the AACA Newsletter Editors Manual, which can be obtained from National Headquarters.<P>The Rummage Box, which is sent to all AACA region and chapter newsletter editors is NOT copyrighted so that you, as an editor will be able to use any article as you feel appropriate.

Well, sounds like you guys cover this a lot but I'm gonna pick nits anyway <P>The Rummage Box is copyrighted whether you want it to be or not, the very fact that it exists grants it copyright protection under US law. More to the point, the authors in it have copyright protection of their works.<P>Sounds like you have granted unlimited permission to AACA regions to reprint material in the RB which is NOT the same as "no copyright," you could technically withdraw this permission at any time. Also unless you have a contract with the contributors then they, too, could withdraw permission to reprint their work.<P>Not saying it's ever happened, or it's gonna happen, but it COULD happen.<P>Just personally, I never agree to contracts that allow the publisher unlimited reproduction rights, I require them to enumerate who will have reproduction rights and under what conditions. In this case for example it would be one-time publication in AACA regional newsletters.<P>Cheers,<BR>Bry

Good point Bry. Request: Please contact the RB Editor, John Hart and review this with him. Unfortunately the VP Publications is not on-line. I'll send Hart's eddress via email to you.

To add further complication, almost all the region newsletters permit reproduction of all material contained in each issue if proper attribution is given. So you have original region material, RB material and often other material from who knows what source. I've personally used pieces with a copyright after getting permission and then given full attribution. I don't know of anyone doing an AACA newsletter who has been jammed up because they violated a copyright, but Bry is right it could happen.<p>[This message has been edited by ted schneider (edited 04-23-2000).]

Question for Bry - I understand the emphasis for getting permission in writing. Is an email request and email response satisfactory for the "in writing" condition?

Father Ron,<BR>If you're not having them sign a contract anyway then I'd say an email confirmation should be acceptable.<P>The confirmation can even be verbal if you want, the purpose of it is to protect yourself if the copyright holder claims you did not have permission to run the item. Protect your behind as much as you feel it is necessary. I get the feeling the AACA community is very laid back so probably verbal/email is quite enough for most people.<P>WRT reprinting articles in other newsletters, the simple solution is to make sure authors agree to reproduction rights in any official AACA journal, national or regional. Then even requesting permission becomes a formality not a necessity.<P>Tomorrow I'll take a stab at contacting Mr. Hart and maybe I'll post a little about how to secure reproduction rights in advance to avoid this whole problem entirely.<P>Cheers,<BR>Bry

Perhaps some of the members who make presentations at the Newsletter Seminar during the annual meeting might share some of their expertise with us. For the past 3-4 years, after the Master Editors have been named, I have written to them and asked for 1-2 copies of any of their past issues. Most are generally happy to comply and you will get some great ideas for improving your own publication. So......help us struggling journalists out here.

It takes a little bit more effort; but what I have done is write a review of copyrighted material and abstract a line or two to make a point.<P>jnp

My husband and I alternated as editors of The Beam for over seven years, and were always very sensitive to copyright compliance. Unfortunately, quite a few of our members didn't (or wouldn't) grasp the concept of protected works. I can't tell you how many times they would present us with articles, cartoons, etc., for reproduction, without attribution, much less permission. We finally drew the line and told them that all submissions had to be original, or come complete with permission to reuse (in writing). That way I didn't have to chase around to get the necessary permissions and they came to appreciate the process of obtaining the permission. A few went off in a huff, but I can't help that. Our names were on the newsletter, and we wouldn't compromise our ethics -- or put ourselves in legal jeopardy!