jsbuturn is asking for:
> Approval from moderators of rara-avis so that what I
plan to do is
> shared by everyone.
But what kind of approval do you mean? Approval to proceed
with your project, or to extensively quote us?
And do the moderators even have the right to speak for
everyone on this list?
This is a discussion group; not (generally) a formal academic
symposium. We're at times curt, rude, obscene, witty,
impulsive, trenchant and/or goofy. And sometimes just plain
wrong. Sometimes all in the same post. But often, they
weren't written with posterity (or even cyber-posterity) in
mind. You should consider that as well.
You might also have to clear it with Yahoo. I think they've
made some slippery claims in the past of owning everything we
say here.
The same goes for my site, which might be cited. I have no
problem with simple links to it. I'd be flattered.
And a short quote or blurb is one thing -- I'd probably have
no problem with that, assuming it's accurate and properly
attributed. But wholesale quoting of stuff from my site,
written by myself or others, however, is another
matter.
If you're going to quote people, regardless of the source,
try to get their permission (particularly if it's a
substantial quote) and of course be sure to attribute it. And
I mean THEIR permission. Not a moderator's, not an
editor's.
That's just common sense and courtesy. The stand-up thing to
do. Or should be. Yet you'd be surprised how often people
don't bother.
I'm tired of material I've written showing up, word for
word
(occasionally including typos and errors), on Wiki and other
web sites, on discussion groups, or in print, without
attribution, mis- attributed or simply ripped off, appearing
under someone else's byline.
Having said that, though, creating (and maintaining) a
thorough listing of hard-boiled links sounds like one hell of
a project. Be prepared to kiss a good chunk of your life
goodbye. It'll be a daunting task, but it could also be an
incredible resource for the rest of us, and a lot of fun for
you.
Good luck, and if you need any help, feel free to drop me a
line.
Kevin Burton Smith The Thrilling Detective Web Site 998-2008
10 Years of P.I. Thrills
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