Copyright and the Internet
Copyright Overview
From the website mason.gmu.edu I was able to learn more of the basics of copyright laws. The site states that copyright laws are designed to protect original work of authorship and original works posted on the Internet are protected. One quote that I enjoyed was:
"The Internet has been characterized as the largest threat to copyright since its inception. The Internet is awash in information, a lot of it with varying degrees of copyright protection. Copyrighted works on the Net include new s stories, software, novels, screenplays, graphics, pictures, Usenet messages and even email. In fact, the frightening reality is that almost everything on the Net is protected by copyright law. That can pose problems for the hapless surfer." ("The Copyright Web site")
Another site at rbs2.com shared that under the copyright law there is a fair use right. The site quotes that an author may use a short quotation for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, or scholarship without first obtaining permission from the author. The source/author must also be identified with the short quotation.
A main point that I have discovered from most of the sites is that copyright laws seem to cover every aspect that you can think of. They are well used to protect the originality of the author and to make sure people don’t steal it. I’m left to wonder for myself is ‘is there anything that I can put on?’
Adherence
The way I have been adhering these copyright laws is by limiting what I post. In some of my portfolio pieces I have used images that are not my own to satisfy the needs of a classroom assignment. We have done pieces that involved a case study and within that case study we would create different advertisement. Now understanding the laws in which I am under, I cannot use most of my portfolio. This may hinder some other assignments that I have, but I will have to discover how to promote myself with my portfolio.