Some Words About Copyright
Disclaimer
I hope that this will serve as an explanation of why some
aspects of my original plans could not be carried out, but
also a reference (and maybe a little warning, too T_T;;) for
all the future web-designers out there...
I originally planned this elaborate website where not only one could
get information on the Young Women Program, view calender events, read
poems, etc., but also a place where one could download mp3 hymns, print
Mormonads, and even read articles from The New Era. But I was worried
that my plans would infringe copyright laws (mp3's aren't exactly the
most lawful media...) so I asked other web-designers and wrote letters
to the Church's copyright office. Wei made a copy of his internet
copyright book (it's kind of ironic, isn't it? ^_^) and Bobbi (of the
LDS copyright office) called me and answered my questions. My
(shocking) discoveries are listed below (as the Ten Commandments...
haha...^_^):
- Thou shalt not post The Ensign and The New Era on the internet.
- Thou shalt not post the italized description of each chapter
of the scriptures on the internet. It is copyrighted.
- Thou shalt not post the references at the bottom of the pages of
the scriptures on the internet. It is copyrighted.
- Thou shalt not post the Bible Dictionary on the internet. It is
copyrighted.
- Thou shalt not post the maps in the scriptures on the internet.
It is copyrighted.
- Thou shalt not post the Topical Guide on the internet. It is
copyrighted.
- Thou shalt be careful. Almost EVERYTHING (!!!) on the internet
is copyrighted, even if it doesn't have a copyright (©)
or registered (®) symbol. Even the layout of a page is
under copyright protection... The Scriptures' copyright is
expired, and thus would be considered "public domain" (this
goes for other works that have expired copyrights). But, as
Bobbi warned, be careful that you are not presenting your own
doctrine...
- Thou shalt not "borrow". But, of course, even though the pages
on the internet are under copyright protection does not mean
that the creators will not let you use it. Ask their
permission. (I'm sure most of them will be happy that you want
to use it)
- Thou shalt heed all these rules. Even if it is hard for the
law to find every single infringement on the internet, you
should be an example. (Let your light shine!!)
- Thou shalt get more information if you are still unsure.
Contact the Church copyright office or write to a government
office if you have questions or uncertainies.
Because the copyright is such a serious issue, I asked the owners of
every image I borrowed off the internet and slashed some of my original
plans. (But most of the images and illustrations here are all my
work...heehee... If you would like to use them, see commandment 8 --
I will be absolutely delighted! ^_^)
