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Hi Janet and everyone else, My 35 years in book publishing gives me a little insight into the arcane world of copyright. In this case, "arcane" is really the correct adjective. Profiting from copyright material certainly is a no-no. However, recent worldwide tightening of copyright law (in the face of the initial impact of photocopying) has both confused the issue and clarified it. If a piece of writing is copyrighted, then "re-publication," even where there is no profit, is breaking copyright. However, for benign public use or re-distribution (such as reprinting in a Parkinson newsletter), most copyright holders will grant permission when asked. Therefore, as a general rule, where copyright is claimed explicitly, it is always better to ask permission. The World Wide Web and the internet, however, pose a different and unique set of conditions. I think it is probably safe to say that the issue of copyright and the internet is an unresolved question. People publishing on the net sometimes list a copyright notice, but it is even less enforceable than the old laws in the days of simple photocopying. Essentially, the system works because enough people accept the limitations --- either they ask for permission and get it for a fee or at no charge. With the Internet, the situation may -- I say, may -- be inherently free of copyright restrictions. One school of thought (to which I lean) is that if you put something online, it is automatically public information. My own view is that the internet and the web in particular, is one of the most democratic innovations we have ever seen. I lean to an anti-copyright position because of this and feel that it is important to avoid commercial exploitation and control. Another school would argue that everything is copyrighted under the concept of intellectual property. Some organizations concerned about copyright protection, restrict access and charge membership or user fees. It is all very confusing, but the bottom line is not whether you profit from reproducing copyright material, but whether you are making "fair" use. Sorry, for the long reply, especially for those who agree it is arcane....too arcane for this most excellent list! Best to all, Peter ************************************************************************** Peter Kidd Learning Materials Consulting Services 62 Coronation Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3N 2M6 Canada Tel/FAX: (902) 443-4262 Email: [log in to unmask] URL: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~aa163/peterkidd.html