[wp-docs] Codex licence issue

[Cátia Kitahara]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your insights.

It's true what you said, Frederick, I have no idea about what parts and how
this person intends to use the codex, from what I understood, she just wants
to quote something, I'm not sure. I asked her what she is planning to do
excatly. I've got no answer yet.

I just wanted to know how to guide her better so she won't get into trouble
because of lack of information from my part. Here in Brazil, when people
have questions about WordPress, they come to me, so I think I must be well
informed about these issues.

Anyway, I still don't know yet who should be copyrighted and how the thing
must be done (for example, should her add a gpl license to her book?). I
guess I'll take Tom's advice and suggest her to contact someone at
Automattic.

Thanks again,

Cátia


Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:20:47 -0500
> From: "Frederick Ding" <frederick.ding at live.ca>
> Subject: Re: [wp-docs] Codex licence issue
> To: "'WordPress Documentation'" <wp-docs at lists.automattic.com>
> Message-ID: <BLU106-DS344CE70F4F68171BD749989A60 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I agree with Lorelle in that publishing a book composed entirely of the
> work of others is a bad reflection of the author. I also think that it?s a
> gross error to republish the work of others without adding their own
> contributions and edits. However, at this point I don?t believe we have
> enough information to judge the intentions of the author because all that
> was said was ?a person asking me if she can publish parts of the Codex in a
> book?.
>
>
>
> In any case, the transformation of a work from one medium into another can
> be useful, even if few changes are made. If a snapshot of Wikipedia were to
> be printed, published and bound, that becomes a useful contribution to human
> knowledge because it?s more accessible to those without access to the
> Internet. Similarly, a printed WordPress book (I?m waiting for the handbook
> in this case) might actually be a useful transformation of the Codex
> materials, even though the licensing becomes confusing.
>
>
>
> I can understand that the WordPress project is very proud of its GPL
> licensing. Perhaps adaptations to the Codex licensing can be a topic for
> future discussion.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Frederick Ding
>
>
>
> From: Lorelle VanFossen [mailto:lorellevan at gmail.com]
> Sent: November 14, 2009 21:08
> To: WordPress Documentation
> Subject: Re: [wp-docs] Codex licence issue
>
>
>
> As one of the long time editors and contributors to the WordPress Codex, I
> echo the thoughts of other documentation team members. First, thank you for
> asking. That is much appreciated. Few do, so thank you for your gracious
> inquiry.
>
> However, I have a few thoughts on this, unrelated to the legal
> ramifications. If someone just copies the WordPress Codex content and puts
> it into a book without adding their own original contributions, edits, and
> voice, who would bother spending money on what they can get for free, and
> really, what does that say about the quality of the author's work that
> plagiarism would even be considered acceptable, not to mention the
> reflection of the work on the editor and publisher of such a book. But
> that's my personal opinion, as a fellow author and web publisher. In today's
> social web, reputation is really important. I'd hate to risk it.
>
> Regarding the rest, the license is as stated. The WordPress Codex is open
> to all to contribute and make use of the content. The WordPress Handbook is
> different and will use Codex content but is its own creature which may have
> different rules and licenses. We'll have to face that when it is available.
>
> As for changing the copyright status of the Codex, this has been debated
> extensively since day one and we're really proud of the licensing as it
> stands. We're open to changes, especially if there are changes in copyright
> laws with the evolution of web publishing and such, so if anyone has better
> recommendations, let's start digging again into the legal ramifications of
> how this all works.
>
> Lorelle VanFossen
> On the Road - Portland, Oregon > Holland > Phoenix
> Lorelle on WordPress - http://lorelle.wordpress.com/
> Woopra - http://www.woopra.com/
> Bitwire Media - http://www.bitwiremedia.com/
> Taking Your Camera on the Road - http://www.cameraontheroad.com/
> Lorelle's Family History Blog - http://www.cameraontheroad.com/family/
> New Book - Order Now! Blogging Tips: What Bloggers Won't Tell You About
> Blogging - http://lorelle.wordpress.com/books/blogging-tips/
>



-- 
Cátia Kitahara

www.catiakitahara.com.br
www.airuma.com.br
www.wordpress-br.com
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