Plagiarism Today - Latest Comments in How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

Jonathan Bailey — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:24:18 -0000

I don't think that a lawsuit against the USCO is the best solution to this problem. The reason is that the USCO is simply acting at the direction of Federal Law. What it would take is a lawsuit against the government itself to get the law ruled illegal. However, that is not likely to happen since the rule is not unconstitutional, it is merely against a treaty we signed. Therefore, I don't believe courts have the authority to overturn it.

This is most likely something that needs legislative action, not legal action.

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

Roman — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:18:01 -0000

If the US Copyright Office hurts bloggers, then how come no blogger has ever filed a lawsuit against the Office? I mean, if the US Copyright Office is hurting bloggers, then there should be a legal action against the Office! Don't you think so? Moreover, there should be a class action against the Office, if that be the case!

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

JB — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:12:57 -0000

Cathy: I'm not sure how much a letter-writing campaign would do if it were sent to the USCO. They only advise on copyright policy and aren't likely to agree to shut themselves down. What I think needs to happen is work with senators and representatives on the matter, getting them involved.

However, the idea of a letter writing campaign is a good one. I might have to see about setting that up.

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

Cathy Roberts — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:56:34 -0000

I noticed your form letters earlier.. perhaps a form letter to do away with the copyright office, and build some awareness would be of use? If I (and likely other bloggers - writers - artists, etc. ) knew where to send such a letter, and who to address it to, we'd likely spend a minute to write one.. however.. if it was there.. and all we had to do was fill in a few blanks, sign and mail.. well then there'd be no excuse would there ;)

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

JB — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 22:04:15 -0000

NSB,

I used to think that as well, before I stopped over 500 people taking my own work and posting it under their name.

Sadly, plagiarism is common among anyone that wants the benefit of writing something without the hassle of doing the work. That goes for in the classroom and out of it.

Sad, but true.

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

Nigerian Scam Baiter — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:08:14 -0000

I think plagiarism occurs mostly in colleges and schools when students don't really want to write an essay so they just copy and paste. Its not like people are making profit though off it that much.

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

JB — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:59:38 -0000

Jeremy,

I don't blame you. If you ask an attorney about copyright law you'll find quickly that even they think it is almost impossible to read/follow.

It's an insane system but one that is important to understand if you're going to create works...

Re: How the Copyright Office Hurts Bloggers

Jeremy Steele — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:51:47 -0000

I'm almost at the point of giving up on trying to understand the copyright system. It's just... ick.